Zip got her name for a reason. Her first instinct when she's unsure about something is ZIP!

She's not mean. She's not defensive. She's just a little timid and her first reaction is usually to get some distance between herself and whatever made her nervous.

She actually LOVES to come out and play and explore. She's just not a huge fan of being touched yet. That doesn't mean she won't get there! She needs someone who is willing to be patient with her, let her move at her own pace, and give her time to learn that those giant human hands aren't something she needs to be afraid of.

For handling, I would recommend sitting with her somewhere safe where she has room to take off if she gets nervous and you can easily see where she's going. Let her explore, let her approach you on her own terms, and don't rush her. This girl needs a patient person willing to earn her trust.

And can we PLEASE talk about those markings?!

Her head is so interesting! She has this beautiful warm orange coloring broken up with irregular darker markings that almost give her a little calico look. Then she has that mixture of orange, cream, gray and black throughout the rest of her. She's simply beautiful, but those unusual markings on her head are definitely what caught my attention.

Zip is still a sub-adult, so she may continue to change as she matures.

ANIMAL INFORMATION

Species: Phidippus regius

Name: Zip

Sex: Female

Life Stage: Sub-Adult

Animal ID: AS-186-F

Line: Astrid

DOE: February 21, 2026

Coloration: Orange / Cream / Gray with Mottled Markings