I haven't kept spiders before, though I have been wanting to have jumping spiders. I caught a female jumping spider today (Phidippus sp., not sure which; possibly P. asotus?) and was keeping her in a cup for a few hours, hoping to get an ID. I was not really planning to keep this spider. I just wanted to watch her for a bit and then put her back outside. But she has now webbed herself into a little pocket like she is preparing to lay eggs. Not sure why she decided the deli cup I put her in was a good place to put her eggs. I wasn't expecting the spider to do this, however. Hoping someone can give me some guidance on what I should do. She has only made a silk pocket, not laid any eggs yet.
Should I try to release this spider, still? Or would that be too stressful, since I'd have to remove the spider from her sac?
Or alternatively, should I keep this spider for now, and release mom and babies later if she does in fact lay eggs?
Any advice appreciated. I don't want to inadvertently kill this spider.
Should I try to release this spider, still? Or would that be too stressful, since I'd have to remove the spider from her sac?
Or alternatively, should I keep this spider for now, and release mom and babies later if she does in fact lay eggs?
Any advice appreciated. I don't want to inadvertently kill this spider.
