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Instars and Molting

For More Comprehensive Information Click Below:

Understanding Jumping Spider Instars: Molting, Development, and Evidence-Based Care

Postembryos also know as 'Eggs with Legs'

Tiny babies stay safely inside the egg sac with their mom. They do not hunt or eat yet.

Care Tips:

  • Keep the enclosure lightly humid, not soaking wet

  • Make sure there is airflow/ventilation

  • Do NOT separate or disturb them

  • No food needed yet

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First Instar (i1)

Spiderlings begin looking more like tiny spiders and get darker but usually stay together in the nest.

Care Tips:

  • Keep siblings together

  • Minimal disturbance

  • Most still do not need food yet

  • Keep ventilation good

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Second Instar (i2)

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Spiderlings begin leaving the nest and hunting on their own.

Care Tips:

  • Start feeding tiny fruit flies

  • Watch for fighting or size differences

  • Separate if bullying starts

Juveniles (i3-i5) 

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Young spiders become stronger hunters and better jumpers.

Care Tips:

  • Slowly increase prey size

  • Add climbing surfaces and hides

  • Avoid giant enclosures

Subadult (i6+)

Your spider is almost fully grown and preparing for its final molt.

Care Tips:

  • Keep humidity stable during premolt

  • Avoid handling during molts

  • Reduce fall risks

  • Don’t force-feed if they stop eating

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Adult

Adult jumping spiders are fully mature and will never molt again.

Care Tips:

  • Continue feeding appropriate prey

  • Keep good ventilation and hydration

  • Add textured climbing surfaces for grip

  • Older spiders may need extra help climbing smooth

       walls

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Molting

Jumping spiders grow by shedding their hard outer shell, called an exoskeleton, in a process called molting. Every time they molt, they move up to the next instar. As spiders get older, the time between molts usually becomes longer.

During a Molt

Before molting, a spider may stop eating, hide in a thick hammock, or become very inactive. Some larger juveniles and subadults may stay hidden for days or even weeks before finishing a molt, which is completely normal. After molting, their new exoskeleton is soft and fragile, so they should not be handled or disturbed until they harden again.

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