Your jumping spider has finally molted. They’ve emerged from their hammock. But they look strange. They’re not moving normally. They won’t eat. What do you do now?
What to Do After Jumping Spider Molts ;
The molting process isn’t finished just because the physical shedding is done. Post-molt is a critical recovery period where your spider is still extremely vulnerable. This comprehensive guide shows you exactly what to do in the days and weeks after molting: when to feed, what to feed, what changes are normal, and when something is actually wrong.
Proper post-molt care sets your spider up for a healthy life until the next molt.
Immediate Post-Molt: The First 24 Hours
What Your Spider Looks Like Right After Molt
Body is wet and glossy: The new exoskeleton hasn’t dried yet—this is normal
Legs may look wrinkled or oddly positioned: They’re still expanding and hardening
Color is darker than normal: Brightens as exoskeleton dries over next few days
Spider is in or near death curl: Slowly expanding from their tight coil position
Overall appearance: weird and strange-looking: This is completely normal, don’t panic
What to Do (And NOT Do) in First 24 Hours
DO maintain humidity at 70-80%: Continue misting like you did during molt
DO provide water droplets: Spider needs hydration during hardening
DO keep temperature at 75-78°F: Cold slows hardening; heat dries too fast
DON’T handle or move the spider: They’re still extremely fragile
DON’T try to feed: Mouthparts are still completely soft
DON’T remove the shed exoskeleton: Leave it for now
DON’T panic at their appearance: They look weird but this is normal
DO monitor from a distance: A quick daily check is fine
Days 2-7 Post-Molt: The Hardening Period
Over the next week, your spider goes through critical hardening. This is when most of the visible changes happen.
What Happens Day by Day
| Day(s) | What’s Happening |
| Day 1-2 | Spider expands from death curl, body still wet-looking, very fragile |
| Day 2-3 | Exoskeleton begins to harden, starts to darken in color |
| Day 3-5 | More hardening visible, spider more active (still in hammock mostly) |
| Day 5-7 | Exoskeleton fully hardened, color fully developed, spider emerges from hammock |
Post-Molt Care During Hardening (Days 2-7)
Maintain proper conditions:
- Humidity: 70-80% (slightly elevated)
- Temperature: 75-78°F (consistent)
- Water: Provide water droplets to drink
- Feeding: Still NO feeding (mouthparts hardening)
- Disturbance: Minimal—let spider rest
When Can You Start Feeding Again? (Days 7-14)
The Critical Question: Is Your Spider Ready to Eat?
Don’t feed based on calendar days. Feed based on these signs:
- Spider has fully emerged from hammock
- Spider is actively exploring the enclosure
- Spider shows hunting behavior (stalking, pouncing practice)
- Exoskeleton is fully hardened and bright
- Spider approaches or investigates offered prey
- Offering test prey and seeing if interest is shown
The Test: How to Know if Your Spider is Ready
Some keepers use this method:
- Offer tiny prey (fruit fly or small fly)
- Watch spider’s reaction
- If interested/stalking: Ready to feed properly
- If avoids: Wait another 2-3 days, try again
Once you see clear hunting behavior, your spider is ready.
How Hungry Will Your Spider Be?
After molting, your spider will be RAVENOUSLY hungry.
- They’ve used enormous energy for the molt
- They haven’t eaten for weeks
- They’ll be skinny and lean
- Feed immediately once ready
- Don’t restrict food after molt
What to Feed Your Spider After Molt (Complete Feeding Guide)
Timeline: Return to Normal Diet Gradually
Day 7-10 (First meals):
- Tiny prey: Fruit flies or very small flies
- Why: Easier on newly-hardened mouthparts
Day 10-14:
- Small prey: Small crickets, small flies
- Why: Gradually increasing challenge
Day 14+:
- Normal diet: Return to regular feeding (small crickets, mealworms)
- Why: Mouthparts fully functional now
Feeding Frequency After Molt
Your spider will be hungry. Feed it:
- Offer food daily initially
- Spider may eat multiple prey per day immediately post-molt
- This is normal—they’re recovering from energy expenditure
- After a few days, settle into normal feeding schedule
- Normal = based on abdomen size, not calendar days
Physical Changes After Molt: What’s Normal?
Size Increase
- Your spider is now noticeably larger:
- Compare to photos from before molt
- Size increase is visible (especially across body width)
- This is why spiders molt—to grow
Color Changes
Many jumping spiders change color after molting:
- Some become darker
- Some become lighter
- Some develop new patterns or stripes
- Some look almost identical
- All of this is completely normal
Brightness/Glossiness
- Your spider looks “shiny” and bright:
- New exoskeleton is glossy and reflective
- This fades slightly over weeks as exoskeleton matures
- Normal aging process
Markings and Patterns
You may notice:
- Clearer eye spots (metallic look improves)
- More vivid body coloration
- Brighter leg bands or stripes
- Species-specific patterns more pronounced
When Something ISN’T Normal: Red Flags to Watch
Deformed Legs After Molt
You notice a leg pointing the wrong direction or bent oddly:
- Common after molt
- Leg often self-amputates over next week (harmless)
- Spider can usually hunt fine with 7 legs
- Will regrow in NEXT molt (if spider is still young)
- Action: Monitor, don’t intervene
Old Exoskeleton Stuck to Spider
If bits of old skin won’t come off:
- Increase humidity to 75-80% temporarily
- Gently misting may help loosen stuck pieces
- Don’t try to pull it off (causes injury)
- Usually comes free within days with higher humidity
Spider Won’t Eat Days 7-14 Post-Molt
If your spider shows no interest in food:
- Normal for first 3-5 days post-molt
- If longer: May not be fully hardened yet
- Mouthparts may still be soft
- Wait a few more days, try again
- Don’t force feed
Spider is Lethargic/Not Moving Much
If spider is barely moving days 7-10:
- Normal for early post-molt period (exhaustion)
- Spider recovers strength over 1-2 weeks
- Activity increases as they eat and recover
- By day 14, should be back to normal activity
Common Post-Molt Questions
Q: How long does post-molt hardening take?
A: Typically 7-14 days for full hardening. Can be faster or slower depending on spider.
Q: Can I handle my spider right after molt?
A: No. Wait at least 2-3 weeks post-molt before handling. Spider is fragile and needs recovery time.
Q: My spider is hiding after molt. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Post-molt spiders rest and recover. They gradually become more active over 1-2 weeks.
Q: Should I clean the enclosure during post-molt?
A: No. Avoid any disturbance. Leave enclosure as-is during hardening period.
Q: When will my spider’s next molt be?
A: Depends on age/species. Young regal jumping spiders: every 3-4 weeks. Older spiders: longer gaps.
Conclusion: Post-Molt is Recovery Time
Post-molt isn’t the end of the molting process—it’s the recovery. Your spider has just completed an incredibly energy-intensive transformation. Their body is rebuilding strength, their exoskeleton is hardening, and they’re preparing for life at a new size.
Your job during post-molt: Maintain proper humidity, provide water, avoid disturbances, and wait patiently for them to harden. Within 1-2 weeks, your spider will be back to normal—eating well, hunting actively, and ready for growth until the next molt.
Proper post-molt care means a healthy, thriving jumping spider.
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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