Regal Jumping Spider - Female i6-i7 (Phidippus regius ‘Blue Mountain’)

Phidippus regius ‘Blue Mountain’ is a striking locality of the Regal Jumping Spider, originating from the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica. Also commonly known as ‘Rastafari’ or ‘Rastafari Blue’, this locality is particularly popular with jumping spider keepers for its bold markings, attractive colouring and curious behaviour.

Like other Phidippus regius, Blue Mountain jumping spiders are active, visually orientated predators with excellent eyesight. They spend much of their time exploring their surroundings, climbing and watching for movement before making a quick, precise jump to catch their prey. Their inquisitive nature makes them fascinating to observe, and they can become very interactive with their surroundings.

Blue Mountain Regal Jumping Spiders can vary considerably in appearance as they mature. Juveniles generally begin with dark colouring and contrasting pale markings, while females can develop attractive white, grey, tan or warmer tones as they mature. Males typically retain the classic black-and-white appearance associated with Phidippus regius, often with blue or green chelicerae and prominent white pedipalps. As with other localities, individual colouration can vary, so each spider develops its own unique appearance.

Care Information

Scientific Name: Phidippus regius ‘Blue Mountain’

Common Names: Blue Mountain Regal Jumping Spider / Rastafari / Rastafari Blue

Origin: Blue Mountain region, Jamaica

Adult Size: Generally under 25 mm, with females usually larger and more robust than males

Lifespan: Around 1–2 years, although this can vary between individuals and sexes

Temperament: Curious, active and generally calm

Difficulty: Beginner friendly

Diet: Appropriately sized live prey including fruit flies, flies, small roaches, small crickets and other suitable feeder insects. Prey should always be appropriately sized for the spider.

Enclosure: A well-ventilated arboreal enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities, foliage and suitable anchor points for a silk hammock. As they are arboreal, they will naturally spend much of their time towards the upper areas of the enclosure.

Temperature: Around 24–28°C

Humidity: Moderate humidity with regular light misting to provide drinking opportunities, while allowing the enclosure to dry between mistings

Lighting: Good natural or artificial lighting is beneficial, as jumping spiders rely heavily on their excellent vision when hunting and navigating their surroundings.

Supplied by Jem's Jumpers