I accidentally made a planted tank...

[GingerC]

Two weeks ago, I bought a coconut substrate block and put it in a crate outside to expand. I didn't need all of it, so I left the rest out in the elements for a week and a half. Mold started growing in my spider's cage, so I dumped everything out and changed the substrate.

This morning, grass is growing in my spider's habitat...

Can this potentially cause problems for the spider? I wouldn't think so, but it might make a neat place for him to hide and build hammocks. If it gets too tall, I'm going to have to get rid of it, though...

 

[Zeppy44]

Hmm let's see----how to mow grass in habitat?      ??very very tiny sheep??        stick insect to graze the grass     miniature push mower

   small scissors works for me      

Removing tongue from cheek now :blink:

 

[hibiscusmile]

show a picture of it.

 

[Zeppy44]

Yes, pictures please. Before and After trimming. B)

Now that I have had a day to clear my mind, did I miss what type spider we are talking about? Just curious cause I have never kept a spider in my care. To me a more important question would be: Does the natural habitat for this species normally include grass of what ever length?

Many years of keeping somewhat rate types of fresh water fish taught me: proper temperature, water chemistry, and food will keep fish alive. Add proper habitat, i.e. types of plants or no plants, and the fish just might thrive and grow to full potential.   Other then water, rest would apply to any life form, imho.

I had so much fun playing mental games with the idea of insects maintaining vegetation in habitat like we do with lawns and gardens. Guess I amuse myself easily most times. I was laughing at ideas for hours. LOL Managed to stop train of thoughts when it started to move to farming. Mantis guiding plow pulled by pair of well trained giant beetles was the start and stop thought.

Back to threat, sorry for ramble.    Really am curious what kind of spider it is.

 

[GingerC]

@Zeppy44 It's a regal jumping spider, Phidippus regius. So far, any information sites have been very disappointing- not only have I been unable to figure out what sorts of places they live in, but I also cannot figure out their lifespan, when they gain adult coloration, or anything else useful. They do live in Florida, if that helps?? Either way, I'm sure he won't mind some grass.

 

[Zeppy44]

Try a Bing search. Found a lot there. Pretty spiders.

 

[Zeppy44]

https://melissamcewen.gitbooks.io/jumping-spider-salticidae-care-and-keeping/content/raising_juveniles.html    Not sure if this will help you. May lead to some other links on this.