Phidippus Regius "Rastafari" Jumping Spider | UK Captive Bred

Rastafari Locale: Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius)

Stage: i4 (4th Instar) | Origin: Captive Bred

The Rastafari Advantage

• The “Fluff” Factor: Hailing from the lush environments of Jamaica, this locale is renowned for having longer, denser setae (hairs) than mainland Florida Regals. Mature females often develop incredibly thick, snowy-white pedipalps that look like tiny pom-poms.
• Bold Monochrome Contrast: The “Rasta” is prized for its high-contrast black, white, and silver markings — a crisp, clean look that makes their complex patterns stand out beautifully.
• Active Island Spirit: A high-energy explorer. Notably brave and inquisitive, frequently “glass dancing” and watching their keepers with intent curiosity.
• Vibrant Chelicerae: Stunning iridescent mouthparts — expect flashes of electric blue, deep violet, or emerald green that pop against their black-and-white features.

Specifics for i4 Slings

• Size: Currently approx. 5–7mm.
• Current Diet: Hunting Drosophila hydei (Large Fruit Flies) with high energy.
• Appearance: At the i4 stage, they are in their juvenile “tuxedo” — sleek black with bright white abdominal spots. Their signature “fluffy” pedipalps and distinct island markings will become more apparent with every moult.
• Sexing: Sold as unsexed.

UK Care Requirements

Read our full UK heating guide here.

The Growth Journey: Transitioning Feeders

Our i4 Rastafari slings are established on fruit flies, but they are bold hunters who will soon be ready for bigger game.

• Future Diet: We recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies at the i6 or i7 stage. The fast movement of flies provides the perfect mental stimulation for this active locale.
• Expert Guide: For a full breakdown on moving your spider to larger prey, read our feeding and transition blog post here.

Important Shipping Update

We dispatch all live spiders exclusively via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Guaranteed by 1pm). The welfare of our spiders is our absolute priority:

• Reliability: Special Delivery bypasses the standard post, minimising time in the mail system.
• Priority Handling: Your spider won’t be left sitting in a delivery office during a backlog.
• Reduced Stress: A faster journey means your spider arrives healthy, hydrated, and ready for their new home.

Please Note: To avoid your spider being held in a sorting office over the weekend, we only post orders from Monday to Thursday.

📷 About Our Photos: Variation & Potential

Please Note: The images provided include photos of our actual i4 spiderlings currently in stock. Because these are unsexed juveniles, they have not yet developed their adult colours. Like all Phidippus regius, they undergo a spectacular transformation as they grow. While the Rastafari lineage is famous for its “fluffy” white pedipalps and bold contrast, every spider is a unique individual — the final adult appearance is a result of genetic diversity, making the journey of watching your sling grow an exciting “unboxing” of its true traits!

Note on Sexing: This spider is sold as unsexed. If you have a preference for a male or female, please message us — we’ll always do our best to find your perfect match.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rastafari locale?
The Rastafari locale refers to Phidippus regius originating from Jamaica, particularly the Blue Mountains region. They are prized for their exceptionally dense, fluffy white pedipalps, bold monochrome markings, and high-energy, inquisitive personalities.

What do i4 Rastafari jumping spiders eat?
At the i4 stage, slings eat Drosophila hydei (large fruit flies). As they grow to i6/i7, we recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies for the stimulation and nutrition they need.

Are Rastafari jumping spiders good for beginners?
Yes — their bold, fearless nature and love of interaction make them a fantastic choice. They are active, entertaining, and relatively hardy. Their “glass dancing” behaviour makes them especially engaging to watch.

How big do Phidippus regius Rastafari get?
Adult females typically reach 15–22mm in body length. They are known for their stocky, fluffy appearance, with pedipalps that can look almost pom-pom-like in mature females.

Do Rastafari jumping spiders need heating in the UK?
Yes — as a Jamaican island locale, they prefer slightly warmer conditions of 24°C–28°C, a touch higher than some other locales. A thermostat-controlled heat mat is essential for UK keepers year-round.

Is it legal to keep Phidippus regius in the UK?
Yes — Phidippus regius is not a protected or restricted species under UK law. No licence is required to keep or purchase them. All our spiders are captive bred in the UK, so there are no import or CITES concerns.

Is this spider captive bred?
Yes — all our Phidippus regius Rastafari are captive bred in the UK, ensuring healthy, well-established slings that are accustomed to captive conditions.