Your jumping spider has disappeared into their hammock,how to tell if jumping spider is molting? They won’t come out. You’re worried. Are they molting? Are they sick? Are they dead?
It’s hard to know without seeing inside that hammock. But there are unmistakable signs that tell you exactly what your spider is doing. This guide shows you every clue—from the earliest warning signs to the moment they emerge. You’ll learn to recognize each stage of molting so you never have to wonder again.
By the end, you’ll be able to identify whether your spider is molting, and you’ll know exactly what to do.
How to Know Your Spider Is About to Start Molting (Pre-Molt Signs)
The earliest indicator comes BEFORE your spider ever retreats to the hammock. Pre-molt begins with behavioral changes.
The 6 Pre-Molt Warning Signs (Appear First)
Appetite stops: Your spider ignores prey or actively backs away from food. Even favorite insects are refused.
Rubbing legs excessively: Visible grooming and scratching at their legs. Sometimes almost obsessive-looking.
Acting skittish: Normally confident spider becomes jumpy. They startle easily at vibrations or shadows.
Plump/swollen abdomen: Rear end looks noticeably rounder and fuller than usual.
Web work increases: Spider strengthens their hammock, making it thicker and denser.
Behavior shift to reclusive: Spider spends more time in the hammock. Less active overall.
Timeline: When Do These Pre-Molt Signs Appear?
- Days 1-3 before actual molt: Appetite decreases, spider seems off
- Days 3-7 before molt: All signs above become obvious
- Days 7-21 before molt: Spider in hammock almost constantly
- Then: Physical molt occurs (1-4 hours)
The #1 Sign Your Spider Is Molting: The Hammock Retreat
If your spider has been in their hammock for 48+ hours and isn’t eating, they are almost certainly molting. This is the biggest indicator.
What you’ll see:
- Spider stays in hammock continuously (except brief water breaks)
- Spider barely moves inside hammock
- You can do a quick flashlight check: spider is there but inactive
- Spider may peek out but returns to hammock quickly
Confidence level: If in hammock 48+ hours + not eating + plump abdomen = 95% sure it’s pre-molt.
How to Know Your Spider Is Currently Molting (Physical Molt Signs)
The physical molt itself is quick—only 1-4 hours. Catching it in progress is unlikely, but here’s what it looks like if you do:
During Physical Molt (What You Might See)
If you accidentally see your spider mid-molt:
- Spider exiting backwards from old exoskeleton
- Exoskeleton has a visible split down the back
- Spider’s body is wet/glossy (hemolymph-filled)
- Legs arranged underneath body as they extract
- THEN: Spider goes into “death curl” (tight ball, looks dead)
If you see this: CLOSE THE ENCLOSURE AND WALK AWAY. Do not disturb. Spider is most fragile at this moment.
The Death Curl (Most Visible Molt Sign)
If you check the hammock and see a tight coil or comma-shaped spider:
- Spider is likely in the death curl phase
- This lasts 2-12 hours after they exit exoskeleton
- Spider is NOT dead (despite the name)
- Leave completely alone
- Spider will uncurl and expand on their own
The death curl is the most visible part of molting you’re likely to witness.
How to Know Your Spider Has Recently Molted (Post-Molt Signs)
After the physical molt, your spider enters hardening phase. Here’s what post-molt looks like:
Days 1-3 Post-Molt: The Wet Phase
Immediately after molt:
- Spider is still curled or partially expanded
- Body looks darker/wet because exoskeleton hasn’t hardened
- Spider is extremely fragile
- Mouthparts are still soft (no eating yet)
Days 3-7 Post-Molt: The Hardening Phase
During this week:
- Spider begins to expand and move slightly
- Exoskeleton hardens and darkens
- Spider may leave hammock briefly to drink
- Still not eating (mouthparts still soft)
Days 7-14 Post-Molt: The Ready Phase
By end of first week or second week:
- Spider is fully hardened
- Exoskeleton is bright and hard
- Spider emerges from hammock and starts hunting
- Appetite returns (this is when you offer food)
When you see hunting behavior, your spider has successfully molted.
Physical Changes You’ll Notice After Molt
Your molted spider might look different:
Size Change
- Your spider will look slightly larger (they grew during molt)
- Especially noticeable if it’s been a while since last molt
Color Change
- Many jumping spiders change color after molting:
- Some become darker
- Some become lighter
- Some develop new markings
- This is completely normal
Brightness
- New exoskeleton is much brighter and glossier than old one
- Makes them look almost “shiny”
- Fades slightly as weeks pass
How to Confirm Your Spider Molted (Looking for Evidence)
Look for the Shed Skin (Exuvia)
After molt, the old exoskeleton is left behind:
- Usually in or near the hammock
- Looks like a hollow spider-shaped skin
- Is completely empty (not the spider)
- This is your proof the molt happened
If you see the shed skin, you know for certain molting occurred.
Compare Size to Before
- The spider is noticeably larger now:
- Compare to how they looked weeks ago
- They’ll definitely be bigger
Behavioral Return to Normal
Most obvious confirmation: your spider acts normal again:
- Exits hammock willingly
- Shows hunting behavior
- Eats when offered prey
- Is active and explores
Confusing Situations: When It’s Hard to Tell
Spider in Hammock But Not Molting?
Not every time your spider hides in hammock means molting:
- Sometimes they just rest
- If abdomen isn’t plump, probably not pre-molt
- If eating normally, NOT molting
- If only been in hammock <24 hours, probably just relaxing
Key: Pre-molt = NO eating + plump abdomen + 48+ hours in hammock
How Long Until Molt Happens After Signs Appear?
You see pre-molt signs. When does actual molt happen?
- Can be within days
- Can be weeks (especially for females)
- Usually 1-3 weeks after pre-molt behavior starts
- Unpredictable timing—every spider is different
Rule: If showing pre-molt signs, stop feeding and prepare for weeks without eating.
Decision Tree: Is Your Spider Molting?
Answer these questions in order:
- 1. Has your spider NOT eaten for 3+ days? → YES/NO
- 2. Is their abdomen plump/swollen? → YES/NO
- 3. Are they in the hammock for 48+ hours? → YES/NO
If YES to all 3 → Definitely pre-molting. Stop feeding.
If YES to 2-3 → Very likely molting. Assume pre-molt.
If NO to 2+ → Probably not molting. Check other causes (stress, recent feeding).
FAQ: Molting Recognition
Q: How do I know if my spider is molting vs. dead?
A: A brief flashlight peek shows a living spider inside the hammock. Molting spiders look motionless but are alive. Dead spiders are usually found on the enclosure floor.
Q: My spider has been in the hammock for a month. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Pre-molt can last this long, especially for females and older spiders. As long as they have water and proper humidity, this is fine.
Q: How can I tell if molting happened if I didn’t see it?
A: Check for shed skin (exuvia) in enclosure. Compare spider size to weeks ago (they’re bigger). Watch for return to normal hunting behavior.
Q: Do all jumping spiders show these signs?
A: Mostly yes. All jumping spiders molt. Most show pre-molt signs (hammock retreat, appetite loss). Some spiders are less obvious than others.
Conclusion: You Can Recognize Molting
Molting isn’t a mystery. Your jumping spider gives clear signs before, during, and after the process. Once you know what to look for—the hammock retreat, the appetite loss, the plump abdomen—you’ll instantly recognize when molting is happening.
And knowing what’s happening means you can stop worrying. No more wondering if your spider is sick or dead. You’ll know they’re just doing what spiders have done for millions of years: growing.
Next time your jumping spider disappears into their hammock, you’ll recognize the signs and confidently know: “My spider is molting. Everything is normal.”
Author Profile
- Dr. Alex Carter is a veterinarian who enjoys helping pet owners better understand and care for their animals. Through easy-to-read articles, they share practical advice on pet health, nutrition, behavior, and everyday wellness.
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