You’ve decided you want a jumping spider. Now you need to find one that is actually healthy, genuinely captive-bred, and sold by someone who knows what they have. That combination rules out most casual listings and all big-box pet stores. This guide walks through every legitimate source for buying a jumping spider online and in person, with honest notes on what each one is like to deal with.
Quick answer: MorphMarket has the largest selection of captive-bred jumping spiders in the US. Bugs In Cyberspace and Spoodville are the most established dedicated retailers. The Defiant Forest and Spider Stuff Co. are strong alternatives. Local reptile and invertebrate expos let you see the animal before you pay.
Where to Buy a Jumping Spider: Sources Compared
| Source | Type | Price Range | Ships To | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MorphMarket | Breeder marketplace | $25–$120 | US (breeder-dependent) | Largest selection, verified reviews |
| Bugs In Cyberspace | Dedicated retailer | $30–$90 | US, some international | Long track record, consistent stock |
| Spoodville | Dedicated retailer | $35–$100 | US | Beginner kits, P. regius focus |
| The Defiant Forest | Established retailer | $28–$99 | US | Species variety, breeder-direct |
| Spider Stuff Co. | Small-batch breeder | $50–$65 | US | Individual spider profiles, ethical sourcing |
| Local expos | In-person events | $20–$80 | N/A | See the animal first, lower prices |
| Facebook groups | Private sellers | $15–$70 | Varies | Lowest prices, highest variance |
Prices are for juvenile to young adult specimens. Slings (spiderlings) run cheaper. Proven adult breeders cost more.
MorphMarket
MorphMarket is the largest online marketplace for captive-bred exotic pets and has a dedicated invertebrate section with hundreds of jumping spider listings at any given time. Sellers set their own prices and policies. The platform provides a review system so you can read feedback from previous buyers before committing.
The filtering tools are genuinely useful: sort by species, sex, age, and location. Buying from a seller in your region shortens transit time, which matters for the animal. Listings from sellers in Florida or Texas typically ship faster and more safely than those crossing the country in winter.
What to watch: anyone can list. A seller with zero reviews and no photo history is a bigger gamble than one with 50 positive transactions and detailed care photos. Read every review. Ask how old the stock is and whether the seller is the original breeder or a reseller. The platform’s review accountability makes it significantly safer than social media, but it is not a guarantee on its own.
Bugs In Cyberspace
Bugs In Cyberspace (bugsincyberspace.com) is one of the longest-running dedicated invertebrate retailers in the US hobby. Their jumping spider inventory is genuinely captive-bred, and listings include husbandry notes that tell you something about the care the animals received before shipping.
Stock turns over quickly. If a species is out when you check, sign up for restock notifications rather than settling for a less-reputable source. Their customer support is accessible and responds helpfully to pre-purchase questions.
Spoodville
Spoodville specializes in Phidippus regius (regal jumping spiders) and sells starter kits that bundle the spider with an enclosure, feeders, and care materials. That makes them a sensible first stop if you want a guided buying experience and don’t want to piece together your setup separately.
The Florida-based family operation is transparent about their breeding practices. Prices sit at the mid-to-upper end of the market, but you’re paying for accountability and beginner-friendly support.
The Defiant Forest
The Defiant Forest (thedefiantforest.com) has been operating since 2016 and ships breeder-direct. Their jumping spider selection includes P. regius starting around $28, P. tyrelli, P. johnsoni, and P. adumbratus, plus occasional rarer species. They answer the phone, which is worth something when you have a pre-shipping question.
Free shipping on supplies with all live orders is a practical perk if you need to pick up decor or feeders at the same time.
Spider Stuff Co.
Spider Stuff Co. (spiderstuff.co) takes a different approach: individual spider profiles with personalities noted, ethical captive-breeding emphasis, and temperature-safe shipping practices. They carry regal varieties at $50–$65 and Apalachicola regals at $65, with occasional rarer stock.
The care guide they include with every purchase is a sign they care about what happens after the sale, not just the transaction itself.
Local Reptile and Invertebrate Expos
Reptile and invertebrate expos happen in most mid-to-large cities on a rotating schedule. They are worth attending even once because you can inspect the animal before paying: look at the abdomen (should be round and plump, not shriveled), the eyes (clear, not cloudy), and overall activity level.
Prices at expos are often slightly lower than online because there is no shipping cost built in. Bring cash. Many vendors don’t take cards, or charge a fee for card payments.
Find expos near you through Reptile Super Shows, local Facebook reptile groups, or searching “[your city] reptile expo.” They happen year-round in warmer states and seasonally further north.
Facebook Groups and Private Sellers
Groups like “Jumping Spider Keepers” on Facebook have active buy/sell/trade threads. Quality varies enormously. Some are excellent hobbyist breeders producing well-documented, healthy animals. Others are resellers who don’t actually know what they have.
If you buy through Facebook: use PayPal Goods and Services (not Friends and Family, which removes buyer protection). Ask for a photo of the specific animal being sold, and request a feeding video before purchase if the seller claims the spider is eating well. Never send payment via Zelle or Venmo to a stranger.
What About Pet Stores?
PetSmart now stocks regal jumping spiders at some locations, making them the first major chain to do so. The animals are marketed as captive-bred, but care varies significantly by location: enclosure quality, feeding consistency, and staff knowledge differ from store to store. If you go this route, assess the individual animal in person before buying. A store-bought spider with a plump abdomen and alert behavior is fine. One that looks shrunken or lethargic is a risk.
Petco and independent pet stores are a mixed picture. Independent stores in cities with active invertebrate communities sometimes carry captive-bred specimens, but it is the exception. Call ahead before making a trip.
What to Ask Any Seller Before Buying a Jumping Spider Online
These questions apply whether you’re buying from a marketplace, a retailer, or a private seller:
- Is this animal captive-bred? Wild-caught spiders carry higher parasite loads and stress more easily in captivity.
- What instar or age is it? Slings require more experience. Juveniles are the best starting point for most beginners.
- When did it last eat? A spider that hasn’t eaten in three weeks before shipping may arrive in poor condition.
- What is it being fed? Consistency between the seller’s diet and your setup reduces transition stress.
- Do you offer a live arrival guarantee? Reputable sellers offer at minimum a live arrival guarantee with photo proof required within two hours of delivery.
- What is your replacement or refund policy if the animal arrives dead? Get the answer in writing before you pay.
Red Flags to Avoid
Skip any seller who:
- Won’t answer basic species or care questions
- Can’t tell you the species with certainty
- Ships from outside the country without clear import documentation
- Lists “assorted jumping spider” without specifying species
- Refuses to provide any live arrival guarantee
- Has no reviews, feedback history, or visible breeding setup
Overseas sellers from Southeast Asia sometimes list Hyllus and Portia species at low prices. International shipping stress and import regulations make these purchases risky for the animal and potentially legally complicated depending on your location.
Species Notes: Regal Jumping Spider for Sale
Phidippus regius is the most commonly available jumping spider in the US. Females reach up to 22mm and are generally calmer. Males are slightly smaller and more energetic. Both make excellent pets. If a listing doesn’t specify sex, ask. Sexing is possible from around the third instar based on eye stripe coloration.
For full husbandry details once your spider arrives, see our Phidippus regius care guide and our complete jumping spider care guide.
Get Your Setup Ready Before the Spider Ships
Order your enclosure, get a fruit fly culture running, and have a misting bottle ready before the spider ships. A new spider can settle in immediately rather than waiting while you scramble.
Our enclosure setup guide covers everything you need, and we reviewed the best enclosures for jumping spiders if you want a specific commercial recommendation. For the full cost picture including spider price and setup, see our jumping spider cost breakdown.
Key Takeaways
- MorphMarket has the largest selection; read seller reviews before buying
- Bugs In Cyberspace, Spoodville, The Defiant Forest, and Spider Stuff Co. are all reputable dedicated retailers
- Local expos let you see the animal in person and usually offer lower prices
- Always ask about captive-bred status, last meal date, and live arrival guarantee
- PetSmart now stocks some captive-bred regals, but assess each animal individually
- Have your enclosure set up and feeders running before the spider ships