Jumping Spiders
Regal vs Bold Jumping Spider: Which Makes the Best Pet?
When people decide they want a pet jumping spider, they usually start looking for the big, fluffy, friendly ones they see on TikTok. Quickly, their search narrows down to the two most popular species in the hobby: the Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius) and the Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax). The jumping spider world is full of fascinating species, from the dancing Peacock spider to the giant Hyllus giganteus, which the amazing jumping spiders guide explores further.
They look almost identical at first glance. Both feature a black and white pattern with iridescent green or blue fangs. So how do you tell them apart, and which one should you choose? Use our Species Comparison tool to see how they stack up side by side across 11 traits.
1. The Abdomen Markings (The Easiest Tell)
If you’re looking at a black jumping spider and trying to identify it, look at the white spots on its back (abdomen). This is the fastest way to distinguish the two species.
Bold Jumping Spiders (P. audax) almost always have a matte black body with three distinct white (or sometimes orange in juveniles) spots. The top spot is large and roughly shaped like a triangle or a smiling face, with two smaller oval spots below it positioned side by side.
Regal Jumping Spiders (P. regius) have spots that connect differently. Instead of three isolated dots, the white markings on the Regal’s abdomen often merge to form two continuous white bands or a distinct “U” shape near the bottom. Some individuals also have a single white stripe running down the center.
2. Sexual Dimorphism (Color Differences)
This is where the Regal jumping spider takes the spotlight.
Bold spiders: Both males and females remain mostly black and white their entire lives. The only variation is that juveniles may have orange spots that turn white as they mature.
Regal spiders: The males are classic black and white, but the females come in spectacular colors: bright orange, peach, tan, light gray, or even pinkish. If you see a brightly colored fluffy spider on social media, it’s almost certainly a female P. regius.
3. Size Comparison
| Trait | Regal (P. regius) | Bold (P. audax) |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | Up to 18 mm (0.7 in) | Up to 14 mm (0.55 in) |
| Leg span | Up to 40 mm (1.5 in) | Up to 32 mm (1.25 in) |
| Weight | Heavier, more robust | Lighter, more slender |
| Native range | Caribbean, SE USA | Widespread across North America |
The Regal is noticeably larger and heavier-bodied than the Bold. If you hold one in each hand, the difference in bulk is clear.
4. Temperament and Handling
Both species make incredible pets. They are inquisitive, handleable, and harmless to humans.
Regals are larger and more robust, so they tend to be calmer during handling. They walk slowly and deliberately, which makes them a great fit for beginners and people nervous about spiders.
Bolds are faster, more energetic, and more prone to jumping suddenly. They aren’t aggressive, but their quick movements can startle new keepers. Experienced keepers often describe them as more “entertaining” to watch.
5. Lifespan Comparison
Lifespan is an important factor when choosing any pet.
- Regal: Females live 2 to 3 years, males 1 to 1.5 years. The size difference between sexes contributes to the female’s longer lifespan.
- Bold: Similar lifespan range: females 2 to 3 years, males 1 to 2 years. Some keepers report Bolds living slightly longer on average, possibly due to their more adaptable nature.
Both are short-term commitments compared to dogs or cats, so they suit anyone wanting a low-maintenance pet.
6. Care Requirements
The care for both species is nearly identical, with minor differences in humidity preference:
- Enclosure: Both need a well-ventilated front-opening enclosure with plenty of anchor points for web hammocks. A 4x4x8 inch enclosure is suitable for a single adult.
- Temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C) for both species. No special heating is needed in most homes, but avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight or near drafts.
- Humidity: Regals benefit from slightly higher humidity (60% to 70%) since they originate from the Caribbean and Florida. Lightly mist the enclosure every other day. Bolds are more tolerant of dry conditions (40% to 60%) and need less frequent misting.
- Diet: Both eat small crickets, Dubia roaches, mealworms, and flies. Prey size should match the spider’s size, generally no larger than the spider’s abdomen. Feed adults 2 to 3 times per week.
- Enrichment: Both species appreciate a varied enclosure with cork bark, fake plants, and magnetic ledges for anchor points. They will build web hammocks in the upper corners and spend most of their time exploring.
7. Price and Availability
Because Regals are the most popular pet jumping spider, they’re widely available from breeders at prices ranging from $20 to $60 depending on color morph and gender (females cost more due to their colorful patterns). Bold jumping spiders are less commonly sold as pets since they can be caught wild in most of North America, but captive-bred Bolds are occasionally available for $15 to $30 from specialized breeders.
Regals are the safer bet if you want a calm, handleable spider with colorful females. Bolds are more energetic and hardy, perfect for keepers who enjoy watching active hunting behavior. Both make excellent pets - it comes down to whether you prefer relaxed or high-energy.