Can (And Do) Jumping Spiders Eat Mealworms?

If you’re reading this article, then your most likely wondering if jumping spiders eat mealworms and if so, do they have any health benefits?

Well, we can safely say that jumping spider do eat mealworms! In fact, mealworms are a great source of protein and fat that can aid in their growth and development “but only” if fed in correct moderation.

Because mealworms contain a lot of fat, they should only make up about 20% of a jumping spider’s diet. Feeding them too many mealworms can lead to health problems, such as obesity and digestive issues.

A varied diet is important for the health of your jumping spider, so consider offering them a variety of small insects in addition to mealworms.

How Often Can Jumping Spiders Eat Mealworms?

While mealworms are a nutritious option for jumping spiders, it’s recommended that they are not fed exclusively all the time, and definitely not while they’re in the molting stage.

Jumping spiders are very sensitive and fragile when they are going through the molting stage! So much so, that even their prey “in this case, mealworms” can injure them, and in some cases, be fatal.

Personally, we found that jumping spiders typically enjoy eating mealworms once or twice a week. But, only in moderation, and in combination with other small insects! This way you’re providing them with a diverse range of nutrients and ensure their continued good health.

Just remember, feeding your jumping spider a well-balanced diet is crucial to maintaining their overall health and promoting successful molting.

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Can Baby Jumping Spiders Eat Mealworms?

Yes, baby jumping spiders can eat mealworms. But, they should be at the appropriately sized for the spider. For very young or small baby jumping spiders, the mealworms should be cut into small pieces or fed pre-killed.

As the spider grows, it can be fed larger mealworms but, always monitor your spider’s feeding habits and adjust their diet accordingly to ensure they are receiving a balanced and healthy intake of nutrients.

If you notice that the spiders is not eating the mealworms it could be that they don’t like it.

If this is the case, you should fed them different prey such as, pinhead crickets, small waxworms, maggots, or blowflies, and try again when they are an adult.

Are Mealworms Healthy For Jumping Spiders?

Among the many options of insect feeders, mealworms are a popular choice for jumpers because of their high protein content.

Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles and are rich in many nutrients essential for jumping spiders, such as protein, fat, and fiber, which are vital for the jumping spiders’ development and overall health.

Nutritional Value Of Mealworms

Nutritional key points:

• High in protein compared to other insects
• High in Lysine, vanline, leucine, isoleucine
• High in essential minerals
• Low in Tryptophan and Methionine
• High in fat than other insects
• A good source of dietary fibre
• Low in carbohydrates

Live Mealworms vs. Dead Mealworms

When it comes to feeding jumping spiders, both live and dead mealworms have their advantages and disadvantages.

Live Mealworms

For starters, Live mealworms are more stimulating for jumping spiders and provide a more natural hunting experience. Jumping spiders are active hunters and enjoy stalking and catching their prey.

By providing live mealworms, you’re giving them the opportunity to engage in their natural hunting instincts and exercise their predatory skills.

Dead Mealworms

On the other hand, dead mealworms are more convenient, and are great if you’re on a budget. However, what surprises us the most is that dried mealworms have more protein and fat than live mealworms!

With that said, Live mealworms typically have more moisture compared to dried mealworms. The down side, is dried mealworms don’t move, which is unnatural for jumping spiders, who are accustomed to catching their prey in motion.

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• Will Jumping Spiders Eat Dead Insects?

Why Some Spiders Prefer Live Prey

Some spider species prefer live prey because it provides more of a thrill and challenges their hunting skills. For example, jumping spiders are known for their agility when hunting, and some enjoy stalking and catching live prey.

This is because the movement of live prey triggers the spider’s innate hunting instincts and stimulates their brain in a way that dead prey cannot.

Additionally, the act of hunting live prey creates a sense of satisfaction for the spider, which can lead to a better overall experience for them.

How Do Mealworms Compare To Other Insects?

When it comes to feeding jumping spiders, it is essential to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. While mealworms are a popular choice for jumping spider food, other insects also offer a variety of nutrients and benefits.

Here is a comparison table showing the protein, fat, fiber, and calcium content of mealworms compared to other commonly fed insects:

As shown in the table, mealworms and crickets have quite similar protein content, with crickets having slightly higher protein content by percentage.

Waxworms have the highest percentage of fat content, with mealworms coming in second highest. Fruit flies have the lowest percentage of fat content. As for fiber content, mealworms have the highest percentage, followed by fruit flies.

Conclusion

So, whether to feed your jumping spider mealworms depends on your spider’s behavior and your schedule.

Remember, feeding live mealworms provides a more stimulating and natural hunting experience, while feeding dead mealworms is more convenient and safer but provides less nutrition.

However, both options have their pros and cons, and it’s essential to monitor your spider’s feeding habits and remove any uneaten insects to avoid any accidents or health complications.

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