In the Deep South, everybody loves their pets. People in prison are no different. We have pet squirrels, lizards and even mice. But the most beloved and coveted of all Florida prison pets is the regal jumper, a species of jumping spider found in parts of the U.S. and Caribbean.

These spiders are often colorful and covered with hair, resembling miniature tarantulas. Adult males are smaller than females, and are black and white with striking green eyes. Females are typically the size of a U.S. quarter, and vary in color from brownish to copper with dark spots.

Regal jumpers are venomous, but their venom is not medically significant to people or pets. It is merely used to subdue their prey. To humans, the bites are similar to a bee sting. I’ve never been bitten, and don’t know anyone who has either. 

These spiders are curious and highly intelligent with excellent eyesight. Their unique characteristic as a prison pet is the bond they form with humans. After 24 to 48 hours, the pet spider actually recognizes you. Experts describe the bond as habituated trust. It is endearing the way they look up at you and take food from your fingertips, just like a puppy or kitten. 

You can usually find them near the bleachers, light poles and fences in the recreation yard. They seem to be attracted to metal surfaces that retain heat. Once you corner one, they will usually jump into an outstretched hand. 

From there, the new pet owner will typically put their spider in a plastic baggie. To build a spider house, you can use a small candy box, with a square hole cut on top and a food trap on the corner. Covering the top hole with plastic ensures you can see them. Set a live insect in the food trap and the spider will come and get it. The spiders hunt during the day. They leave the box to find food, but they will come back. They are very loyal creatures and a prisoner’s best friend. 

Here at Union Correctional prison, a lot of guys delight in having their spiders fight. The regal has a Muaythai style of fighting, with their front legs held high in their approach. No other spider can stand up to the Florida tarantula. 

A few years ago, I caught a female jumper that I named Rambo, after a line in the Sylvester Stallone movie “First Blood”: “I only wanted something to eat!” 

Rambo was the envy of the compound and the crown princess of the cellblock because of her massive size. One guy offered to buy her for $20 but I said no way.

Rambo kept our cell clean of roaches, flies and gnats. One time, she jumped six inches in the air to snatch a gnat. She would eat directly from my hand lizards, frogs and other live food.

There have been attempts at breeding jumping spiders in the Florida prison system for years. The female weaves a protective tent-like cover for the eggs, but once they hatch there is no practical way to contain them. The result is an exodus of hundreds of tiny baby spiders. I like that though. I’m not partial to confining anything or anyone. 

After nearly a year, I let Rambo go in the same spot I captured her. I couldn’t deprive such a majestic creature of her freedom.