Jumping spiders are visual hunters, and feeding them is one of the best parts of keeping them. The staples are flightless fruit flies for slings, then small crickets, mealworms, and the occasional housefly as they grow. A good rule is that prey should be about the size of the spider’s body, and never larger.
Adults typically eat every two to four days, and slings closer to daily. A rounded abdomen means the spider is well fed. A shriveled one means it needs food and water soon. Remove uneaten prey after a few hours, because a cricket left in the enclosure overnight can injure a resting spider.
Refusing food is usually normal. The common reasons are an upcoming molt, a room that’s too cold, or eggs on the way. Give it a week before you start worrying.
The members version includes my exact rack schedule and gut-loading routine. Morbid Club members can read it now.