Hyllus diardi 'Heavy Jumper'
One of the largest jumping spiders in the world — fast, powerful, and not for the faint-hearted.
About Hyllus diardi
Hyllus diardi is a giant among jumping spiders. Adult females can reach 15–25 mm in body length, making them significantly larger than most Phidippus species. Native to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and surrounding regions), they are robust, hairy spiders with muted brown and grey tones and distinctive banded legs.
Unlike the relatively docile Phidippus regius, H. diardi is noticeably faster, more skittish, and more inclined to bolt when startled. Their size and speed make them a poor choice for a first jumping spider. Females live roughly 1.5–2 years; males mature faster and typically survive only 8–12 months.
Enclosure
H. diardi must be housed alone. They are solitary arachnids and will readily kill and consume cage-mates. Never cohabitate except for brief, supervised mating introductions.
Their large size demands a more spacious enclosure than typical jumping spiders — at least 25×25×35 cm for an adult female. Provide vertical climbing surfaces with cork bark, sturdy branches, and silk or live plants. Cross-ventilation is essential. They will build a dense silk retreat high in the enclosure.
Temperature & humidity
As a tropical species, H. diardi needs consistent warmth of 24–28°C. A heat mat on the side of the enclosure may be necessary in cooler climates. Avoid temperatures below 22°C.
Maintain 60–75% humidity by misting one side of the enclosure every 1–2 days. Never spray the spider directly. Allow the opposite side to dry fully between mistings to prevent stagnant, overly damp conditions that promote mould.
Feeding
H. diardi's larger body size means they need bigger prey than most jumping spiders. Feed appropriately sized live prey every 2–3 days:
- Spiderlings: hydei fruit flies (melanogaster are too small for older slings)
- Juveniles: small crickets, greenbottle flies, waxworms
- Adults: large crickets, dubia roaches, bluebottle flies, locusts
Prey should be no larger than the spider's abdomen. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours. Pre-moult fasting — sometimes lasting weeks — is entirely normal. Do not attempt to force-feed.
Handling
H. diardi can be handled but is significantly more flighty than Phidippus species. They are fast and jump far. Handle only over a soft surface, indoors, and be prepared for sudden leaps. Many keepers of this species prefer observation over handling.
Their excellent anterior median eyes mean they are very aware of your movements — approach slowly and let them walk onto your hand of their own accord. Never handle during or shortly after a moult.