If your jumping spider has suddenly stopped eating, don't panic. One of the most common concerns for new owners is seeing their spider ignore food for several days—or even weeks.

In most cases, a healthy jumping spider refusing food is completely normal. Their appetite changes depending on their age, moulting cycle, temperature and activity levels.

This guide explains the most common reasons your jumping spider won't eat and helps you understand when it's perfectly normal and when you may need to take action.

1. Your Spider Is About to Moult

The number one reason a jumping spider stops eating is because it's preparing to moult.

As they grow, jumping spiders shed their old exoskeleton to make room for a new one. Before this happens, they'll often:

• Refuse food
• Build a thick silk hammock
• Spend more time hidden away
• Become less active
• Have a darker or fuller-looking abdomen

Depending on the spider's age, they may refuse food for several days before moulting.

Never disturb or handle a spider during this time.

2. They've Already Had Enough to Eat

Jumping spiders don't need daily meals.

If your spider has a healthy, rounded abdomen, it simply may not be hungry yet.

Rather than feeding to a strict timetable, monitor your spider's body condition.

If the abdomen still looks plump, wait a few more days before offering food again.

3. The Enclosure Is Too Cold

Temperature has a big impact on a jumping spider's metabolism.

If the enclosure is too cool, your spider will naturally become less active and eat less.

Most commonly kept species thrive at around 22–28°C during the day.

4. The Prey Is Too Large

Jumping spiders are confident hunters, but prey that's too large can be intimidating.

A good rule is to offer insects no larger than the spider's body length.

Suitable prey includes:

• Fruit flies (for slings)
• Green bottle flies
• Blue bottle flies
• Small crickets
• Small locusts

If your spider repeatedly ignores one type of prey, try offering something different.

5. They've Recently Moved Home

Shipping or moving into a new enclosure can temporarily reduce a spider's appetite.

New surroundings are stressful, and many spiders won't eat for a few days while they settle in.

Keep disturbance to a minimum and allow them time to explore.

6. Adult Males Often Eat Less

Once mature, male jumping spiders become more interested in finding a mate than hunting.

It's common for adult males to:

• Eat less frequently
• Wander around the enclosure
• Spend more time exploring
• Live for a shorter period after maturity

As long as your spider remains active and doesn't lose excessive body condition, this behaviour is perfectly normal.

7. Seasonal Changes

Even indoors, jumping spiders often slow down during the cooler months.

You may notice:

• Reduced activity
• Longer rest periods
• Less frequent feeding
• Slower growth

A slight reduction in appetite during autumn and winter is nothing to worry about.

8. Your Spider May Be Unwell

Illness is one of the least common reasons for refusing food, but it should still be considered if your spider also shows other symptoms.

Watch for:

• Curled legs
• Difficulty climbing
• Lack of movement
• Shrivelled abdomen despite refusing food
• Failure to recover after moulting

If you notice several of these signs together, review the enclosure conditions and seek advice from an experienced keeper.

When Should You Be Concerned?

A healthy jumping spider can often go:

• Slings: A few days
• Juveniles: Around one week
• Adults: One to two weeks (sometimes longer before a moult)

If your spider remains active, drinks water and has a healthy abdomen, there's usually no cause for concern.

Tips to Encourage Feeding

If your spider isn't eating, try these simple steps:

• Check the enclosure temperature.
• Offer a different prey item.
• Feed during daylight hours.
• Avoid handling your spider before feeding.
• Ensure fresh water droplets are available.
• Leave your spider undisturbed if it's preparing to moult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a jumping spider refuse food?

Healthy adults can comfortably go one to two weeks without eating, and sometimes longer before or during a moult.

Should I leave live food in the enclosure?

No. Remove uneaten prey after around 24 hours, especially if your spider is moulting.

Should I keep trying every day?

No. Offering prey every few days is usually enough. Constantly disturbing your spider may cause unnecessary stress.

Final Thoughts

Seeing your jumping spider refuse food can be worrying, especially if you're a first-time owner. Fortunately, it's usually a completely natural part of their life cycle.

By checking their abdomen size, observing their behaviour and maintaining the correct enclosure conditions, you'll soon learn what's normal for your spider.

If they're preparing to moult, staying warm and hydrated, and otherwise appear healthy, patience is often the best approach.