Jumping spider care in winter

[fbus]

Hello everyone!
I live in the northern US and have previously had a wild caught, native bold jumping spider. I now have a regal jumping spider, which is not native to this area. I’ve noticed a change in behavior since winter started. She hardly explores her enclosure and went from eating every 3 days to about once a week.

Im fairly certain that she is done molting, I was told she was a 7 instar when I got her and she has molted twice with me. Her last molt was almost 2 months ago.

Being a diurnal spider, I got a little light for her terrarium to compensate for the loss of light. I know they prefer warmer temps, but Im wonderIng if I SHOULD add heat or just let her go through a ‘dormant’, low metabolism phase. I know to not put her terrarium in direct light to avoid overheating. I really don’t think the temps in my home are very variable, we use ac in the summer and heat in the winter, about 70F(21C) all year.

Or are these just normal changes with maturity?

Im including a photo of Nadja just because she’s beautiful

 

[fbus]

Update: Due to the time sensitivity, I went ahead and added the heat light right away. Nadja seems to appreciate the gesture . She has perked up significantly. I would appreciate any further advice from folks with non-native jumpers.

 

[darkness975]

Update: Due to the time sensitivity, I went ahead and added the heat light right away. Nadja seems to appreciate the gesture . She has perked up significantly. I would appreciate any further advice from folks with non-native jumpers.

Females typically overwinter in dormancy. I always find at least one per year that tries to overwinter in my car door frame.

 

[Salmonsaladsandwich]

If it gets colder jumpers will become less active, even though regal jumpers are from a warmer climate they do go dormant during periods of cold weather.

In the long run, allowing them to go dormant instead of heating them when it's cold will probably extend their lifespan considerably.

 

[regalpaws]

Just want to say, heat lights and mats can significantly dry out your enclosure, and even your spider. I have heard some people lose their spoods from heat lamps. You can try temporarily moving them into a warmer room for the winter, as well as moving them up higher on a shelf. I use some LED lights and that really helps, especially during the winter to help their activity.
Just make sure to watch the humidity in your enclosure in winter.
Your spood is beautiful by the way, I love her!!