What Is Molting?

A jumping spider’s exoskeleton does not grow along with them. When they outgrow it, they must shed the old exoskeleton to continue growing.

Jumping spiders molt several times as they develop from tiny slings into adults. Once they reach maturity, they will no longer molt.

Signs Your Spider May Be in Premolt

Before a molt, you may notice some changes in your spider’s normal behavior.

Common signs include:

• Refusing food
• Spending more time hiding
• Becoming less active
• Building a thicker or more enclosed hammock
• Staying inside their hammock for long periods
• Showing little interest in prey

Some spiders may stay tucked away for several days or even longer. This can be completely normal.

What Should I Do During a Molt?

Mostly, leave them alone!

If you think your spider is preparing to molt:

• Remove uneaten live feeders
• Continue providing access to water by lightly misting the enclosure as appropriate
• Avoid handling your spider
• Do not tear open or disturb their hammock
• Avoid unnecessary changes to the enclosure

Their hammock is a safe place where they can molt while protected and undisturbed.

Why Should I Remove Feeders?

A molting spider is extremely vulnerable and cannot defend itself normally.

Some live feeders, particularly crickets, mealworms, and roaches, may injure a spider while it is molting or freshly molted.

If your spider has gone into premolt and is no longer interested in hunting, it is safest to remove the feeder.

What Happens During the Molt?

When your spider is ready, they will shed their old exoskeleton.

You may eventually notice what looks like a second spider inside the hammock. Don’t panic!

That is usually the old exoskeleton, called an exuvia.

Your spider may remain inside the hammock afterward while their new exoskeleton hardens.

When Can I Feed Them Again?

Freshly molted jumping spiders are soft and vulnerable, including their fangs.

Give your spider time to harden before offering food.

Rather than immediately offering a feeder as soon as you see them emerge, watch their behavior. Once they are moving around normally, spending time outside the hammock, and showing interest in hunting again, you can offer an appropriately sized feeder.

When in doubt, giving them a little extra time is safer than feeding too soon.

Should I Remove the Old Exoskeleton?

You do not need to tear apart your spider’s hammock to remove it.

Some spiders eventually push the old molt out themselves. If it becomes easily accessible, you can gently remove it during normal enclosure cleaning.

If it is still tucked inside the hammock, leave it alone.

What If My Spider Is Hiding for a Long Time?

Try not to panic.

The amount of time a spider spends in premolt, molting, and recovering can vary depending on their age, size, and individual spider.

Continue providing appropriate access to water and avoid disturbing the hammock.

If your spider is sealed away, refusing food, and otherwise appears to be in premolt, patience is usually the best thing you can give them.

Do Adult Jumping Spiders Molt?

No. Once a jumping spider reaches maturity, they have completed their final molt.

This means an adult spider suddenly hiding or refusing food is not necessarily preparing to molt. Other possibilities, such as appetite, stress, reproductive behavior, or age, may need to be considered.

The Most Important Part

Molting can make new spood parents nervous, but it is a normal and necessary part of growing up.

Keep the enclosure safe, remove potentially dangerous feeders, provide access to water, and give your spider plenty of peace and quiet.

Your spood knows what to do. 🕷️💜

This guide provides general information about jumping spider molting. Molting behavior and timing can vary depending on species, age, size, and individual spider.