Phidippus Regius "Sierra de Bahoruco" - Jumping Spider

Sierra de Bahoruco Locale: Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius)

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

The Sierra Advantage

• The “Red Phase” Potential: While Florida locales lean toward orange, the Sierra is famous for deep “brick red” and rich mahogany tones — the go-to choice for keepers looking for those rare, deep autumnal colours.
• High-Contrast Masks: Mature females often develop a crisp, cream-coloured “mask” or “beard” across the face, creating a stunning contrast against their darker, rust-coloured base.
• Vivid Chelicerae: This locale is known for “electric” mouthparts — expect deep violets, teals, and emerald greens that truly pop against their dark coats.
• Island Athleticism: Hailing from the mountain ranges of the Dominican Republic, the Sierra is a sleek and athletic hunter. Incredibly bold and curious, making them one of the most rewarding and active locales to observe in a bioactive setup.

Specifics for i4 Slings

• Size: Currently approx. 5–7mm (roughly the size of a garden pea).
• Current Diet: Hunting Drosophila hydei (Large Fruit Flies) with high accuracy.
• Appearance: At the i4 stage, these slings are in their “juvenile tuxedo” — sleek black with white abdominal markings. Their signature red tones and facial masks will begin to emerge around the i6/i7 moults.
• Sexing: Sold as unsexed. Their gender-specific traits will become clear as they mature.

UK Care Requirements

Read our full UK heating guide here.

The Growth Journey: Transitioning Feeders

Our i4 Sierra slings are established on fruit flies, but as they grow into athletic juveniles, their appetite will graduate.

• Future Diet: We recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies at the i6 or i7 stage. These provide excellent enrichment and the perfect nutritional profile for a growing Sierra.
• 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. Phidippus regius Sierra de Bahoruco undergo a spectacular transformation as they grow — developing their signature deep reds, mahogany tones, and vivid chelicerae. Every spider is a unique individual!

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 makes the Sierra de Bahoruco locale special?
The Sierra de Bahoruco locale of Phidippus regius originates from the mountain ranges of the Dominican Republic and is prized for producing deep “brick red” and rich mahogany adult colouration — the rarest and most sought-after colour phase in the species. Mature females also develop a distinctive cream-coloured facial mask that sets them apart from all other locales.

What do i4 Sierra jumping spiders eat?
At the i4 stage, slings eat Drosophila hydei (large fruit flies), fed twice weekly. As they grow to i6/i7, we recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies to match their increasing size and appetite.

Are Sierra de Bahoruco jumping spiders good for beginners?
Yes — Phidippus regius as a species is widely considered the best beginner jumping spider. The Sierra locale is particularly bold and curious, making them highly engaging even for first-time keepers. Their striking adult colouration also makes them a favourite among experienced collectors.

How big do Phidippus regius Sierra de Bahoruco get?
Adult females typically reach 15–20mm in body length. They have a sleek, athletic build compared to the heavier Florida locale, with vivid electric chelicerae that become more pronounced with each moult.

Do Sierra jumping spiders need heating in the UK?
Yes — they prefer 23°C–27°C. A thermostat-controlled heat mat is recommended for UK keepers, particularly during autumn and winter months when room temperatures drop below their comfort zone.

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 Sierra de Bahoruco are captive bred in the UK, ensuring healthy, well-established slings that are accustomed to captive conditions and regular feeding schedules.