Spider Jockey

Spider Jockey

Health points	Skeleton, Stray and Wither Skeleton: 20HP × 10 Bogged: 16HP × 8 Spider: 16HP × 8
Behavior	Hostile
Spawn	See § Spawning
Natural equipment	Skeleton, Stray and Bogged: Bow (may be enchanted) Wither Skeleton: Stone Sword

{
    "title": "Spider Jockey",
    "rows": [
        {
            "field": "'''Skeleton, Stray and Wither Skeleton:''' 20<span class=\"hidden-alt-text\">HP</span><span class=\"nowrap mc-hearts\"><span class=\"iconbar pixel-image nowrap\" style=\"--icon-offset:-1px;\" title=\"1  heart\">(link to File:Heart (icon).png article, displayed as 9px|link=|alt=❤️)</span> × 10</span><br>'''Bogged:''' 16<span class=\"hidden-alt-text\">HP</span><span class=\"nowrap mc-hearts\"><span class=\"iconbar pixel-image nowrap\" style=\"--icon-offset:-1px;\" title=\"1  heart\">(link to File:Heart (icon).png article, displayed as 9px|link=|alt=❤️)</span> × 8</span><br> '''Spider:''' 16<span class=\"hidden-alt-text\">HP</span><span class=\"nowrap mc-hearts\"><span class=\"iconbar pixel-image nowrap\" style=\"--icon-offset:-1px;\" title=\"1  heart\">(link to File:Heart (icon).png article, displayed as 9px|link=|alt=❤️)</span> × 8</span>",
            "label": "(link to Health article, displayed as Health points)"
        },
        {
            "field": "Hostile",
            "label": "Behavior"
        },
        {
            "field": "See (link to #Spawning article, displayed as § Spawning)",
            "label": "(link to Mob spawning article, displayed as Spawn)"
        },
        {
            "field": "'''Skeleton, Stray and Bogged:'''\n*   <span class=\"nowrap\"><span class=\"sprite-file\" style=\"\">(link to File:ItemSprite bow.png article, displayed as 16x16px|link=Bow|alt=|class=pixel-image|)</span>(link to Bow article, displayed as <span class=\"sprite-text\">Bow</span>)</span>    (may be enchanted)<br>'''Wither Skeleton:'''\n*   <span class=\"nowrap\"><span class=\"sprite-file\" style=\"\">(link to File:ItemSprite stone-sword.png article, displayed as 16x16px|link=Stone Sword|alt=|class=pixel-image|)</span>(link to Stone Sword article, displayed as <span class=\"sprite-text\">Stone Sword</span>)</span>",
            "label": "(link to Drops#Equipped items article, displayed as Natural<br/>equipment)"
        }
    ],
    "invimages": [],
    "images": [
        "Spider Jockey.png",
        "Spider Jockey (Stray) BE2.png",
        "Spider Jockey (Bogged).png",
        "Spider Jockey (Wither Skeleton) BE3.png"
    ]
}

A spider jockey is the rare appearance of a spider or cave spider‌^{[BE only]} being ridden by a skeleton, stray,‌^{[BE only]} bogged,‌^{[BE only]} or wither skeleton.‌^{[BE only]}

Spawning

When a spider spawns, there is a 1% chance for a skeleton mob to spawn riding it.

Spider jockeys can spawn in almost all scenarios where a regular spider can spawn. This includes areas of light level 0, monster spawners, trial spawners, and via spider spawn eggs.

Spider jockeys spawned in narrow enclosures can cause the skeleton rider to die of suffocation, due to the spider climbing the walls and forcing the skeleton into the ceiling. They can also spawn in a 1-block tall space with a transparent block above, which prevents the skeleton rider from suffocating in it.

The skeleton can spawn with armor and/or an enchanted bow, and, in Java Edition, the spider has a chance to spawn with various status effects in Hard difficulty. See Skeleton#Geared skeletons and Spider#Status effects for details.

Skeleton variants

In Java Edition, strays, bogged and wither skeletons do not spawn as part of a spider jockey.^[1] A skeleton rider can turn into a stray without dismounting by staying in powder snow for 7 seconds (140 game ticks).

In Bedrock Edition, when spider jockeys are spawned in snowy biomes, the skeleton has an 80% chance to spawn as a stray instead. When spider jockeys spawn in a swamp or mangrove swamp biome, the skeleton has an 80% chance to spawn as a bogged. Similarly, if spider jockeys are spawned anywhere in the Nether (via spawn eggs or commands as spiders/cave spiders cannot naturally spawn in the Nether), the skeleton has an 80% chance to spawn as a wither skeleton.

Like regular skeletons, stray and bogged riders have a chance to spawn with an enchanted bow and/or armor. Wither skeletons never spawn with armor or an enchanted sword.

Cave spider jockeys

Cave Spider Jockey

Health points	Skeleton, Stray and Wither Skeleton: 20HP × 10 Bogged: 16HP × 8 Cave Spider: 12HP × 6
Behavior	Hostile
Spawn	See § Spawning
Natural equipment	Skeleton, Stray and Bogged: Bow (may be enchanted) Wither Skeleton: Stone Sword

{
    "title": "Cave Spider Jockey",
    "rows": [
        {
            "field": "'''Skeleton, Stray and Wither Skeleton:''' 20<span class=\"hidden-alt-text\">HP</span><span class=\"nowrap mc-hearts\"><span class=\"iconbar pixel-image nowrap\" style=\"--icon-offset:-1px;\" title=\"1  heart\">(link to File:Heart (icon).png article, displayed as 9px|link=|alt=❤️)</span> × 10</span><br>'''Bogged:''' 16<span class=\"hidden-alt-text\">HP</span><span class=\"nowrap mc-hearts\"><span class=\"iconbar pixel-image nowrap\" style=\"--icon-offset:-1px;\" title=\"1  heart\">(link to File:Heart (icon).png article, displayed as 9px|link=|alt=❤️)</span> × 8</span><br> '''Cave Spider:''' 12<span class=\"hidden-alt-text\">HP</span><span class=\"nowrap mc-hearts\"><span class=\"iconbar pixel-image nowrap\" style=\"--icon-offset:-1px;\" title=\"1  heart\">(link to File:Heart (icon).png article, displayed as 9px|link=|alt=❤️)</span> × 6</span>",
            "label": "(link to Health article, displayed as Health points)"
        },
        {
            "field": "Hostile",
            "label": "Behavior"
        },
        {
            "field": "See (link to #Spawning article, displayed as § Spawning)",
            "label": "(link to Mob spawning article, displayed as Spawn)"
        },
        {
            "field": "'''Skeleton, Stray and Bogged:'''\n*   <span class=\"nowrap\"><span class=\"sprite-file\" style=\"\">(link to File:ItemSprite bow.png article, displayed as 16x16px|link=Bow|alt=|class=pixel-image|)</span>(link to Bow article, displayed as <span class=\"sprite-text\">Bow</span>)</span>    (may be enchanted)<br>'''Wither Skeleton:'''\n*   <span class=\"nowrap\"><span class=\"sprite-file\" style=\"\">(link to File:ItemSprite stone-sword.png article, displayed as 16x16px|link=Stone Sword|alt=|class=pixel-image|)</span>(link to Stone Sword article, displayed as <span class=\"sprite-text\">Stone Sword</span>)</span>",
            "label": "(link to Drops#Equipped items article, displayed as Natural<br/>equipment)"
        }
    ],
    "invimages": [],
    "images": [
        "Cave Spider Jockey BE3.png",
        "Cave Spider Jockey (Stray) BE2.png",
        "Cave Spider Jockey (Bogged).png",
        "Cave Spider Jockey (Wither Skeleton) BE3.png"
    ]
}

In Bedrock Edition, cave spiders also have a 1% chance to a spawn as a spider jockey. Cave spider jockeys can spawn in almost all scenarios a regular cave spider can spawn. This includes monster spawners, trial spawners and via the cave spider spawn egg.

Behavior

While both mobs in the jockey have their own behaviors, only one will control the spider jockey’s movement. In Java Edition, the jockey’s movement is controlled by the skeleton, while in Bedrock Edition, the movement is controlled by the spider.

The spider can walk and climb at its normal speed and is not weighed down by the skeleton rider. The skeleton can shoot arrows and pick up equipment it finds.

When a spider jockey enters a body of water, it will sink. If the jockey is submerged in water at least 2 blocks deep, the skeleton rider will be forcibly dismounted from the spider, separating the jockey. The skeleton cannot remount the spider after.

Like with regular spiders, cobwebs will not slow down spider jockeys.

A cave spider jockey behaves almost identically to a regular spider jockey, with the main difference being that it moves slightly faster and can maneuver through tighter spaces.

In Java Edition, the movement of the spider jockey is controlled by the skeleton. When the jockey is exposed to daylight and the skeleton rider catches on fire, it seeks any nearby shade or water and moves there to avoid burning. When attacking, the spider jockey will strafe and try to keep distance from the target while the skeleton shoots arrows. The spider cannot attack or lunge while it is being ridden.

In Bedrock Edition, the movement of the spider jockey is controlled by the spider. When attacking, the spider moves towards and lunges at the target while the skeleton rider shoots arrows.

Stray and bogged riders behave identically to skeletons. Wither skeleton riders attack up-close with their sword.

If the skeleton rider picks up any item or weapon other than a bow (such as a sword or axe), it attempts to get up-close and attack through melee.

In both editions, the spider and skeleton rider cannot attack each other.

History

Development

Java Edition

Java Edition Alpha
v1.0.17							Added spider jockeys.
v1.2.0							Skeletons that ride spider jockeys now hold a bow.
Java Edition Beta
1.2							As with spiders, spider jockeys can now climb vertically up walls.
1.5							Spider jockeys can now be "neutral-hostile" with the addition of rain. The light level is low enough in a rainstorm for the skeleton to not combust, but high enough for the spider to not be actively hunting. In this state, the skeleton shoots the player with arrows, but the spider does not give chase (unless the spider jockey wanders into a shady area) because movement is controlled by the spider. The player can safely observe this kind of spider jockey from a distance of 16 or more blocks away.
1.8							Skeletons that ride spider jockeys' bows are now larger and held more realistically (full-sized bows, two-handed, and pulling the arrow back) than in previous versions (in one hand).
							Skeletons that ride spider jockeys now fire arrows slightly slower. Their arrows, however, are shot with more force.
Java Edition
1.0.0							Skeletons that ride spider jockeys now hold their bow with one hand again, but they still have the larger and held realistically bow.
1.4.2			12w34a				Spider spawn eggs now have a chance to spawn a spider jockey.
			12w36a				Spider spawn eggs used in nether fortresses now have a chance to spawn a spider jockey with a wither skeleton rider.
1.5			13w09a				Skeletons no longer dismount the spider jockey when the world is reloaded.
1.9			15w31a				Skeletons that ride spider jockeys now lower their arms when idle and their sitting position has been shifted a bit lower.
1.9.4			?				Spider jockeys no longer spawn properly due to a bug.[2]
1.10			16w20a				Spider jockeys spawned in cold biomes can now have a stray rider.
1.11			16w32a				Spider jockeys no longer naturally spawn with a stray rider or wither skeleton rider.[1]
1.13			pre5				Spider jockeys now spawn again.
1.14			18w43a				The textures of spider jockeys have been changed.
							The movement of a spider jockey is now controlled by the skeleton. The spider in a spider jockey no longer performs melee attacks on the player.[3]

Bedrock Edition

Pocket Edition Alpha
v0.11.0			build 1				Added spider jockeys. Cave spiders also have a chance to spawn with a skeleton rider.
v0.12.1			build 1				Added wither skeleton spider jockeys with a cave spider variant.
							Spider jockeys have an 80% chance to spawn with a wither skeleton rider when spawned in the Nether (via spawn eggs, monster spawners, etc).
v0.15.0			build 1				Spider jockeys now have a 80% chance to spawn with a stray rider in snowy biomes.
							Skeletons and wither skeletons that ride spider jockeys now lower their arms when idle.
Pocket Edition
1.1.0			alpha 1.1.0.0				Due to an identifier change, spider jockeys can no longer naturally spawn with a stray rider or wither skeleton rider.[4]
Bedrock Edition
1.10.0			beta 1.10.0.3				The textures of spider jockeys have now been changed.
1.21.90			Preview 1.21.90.26				Wither skeletons and strays now spawn as riders of spider jockeys again.
1.21.100			Preview 1.21.100.21				Bogged can now spawn as riders of spider jockeys when they are spawned in swamp and mangrove swamp biomes.[5]

Legacy Console Edition

Legacy Console Edition
Xbox 360	Xbox One	PS3	PS4	PS Vita	Wii U	Switch
TU1	CU1	1.00	1.00	1.00	Patch 1	1.0.1	Added spider jockeys.

New Nintendo 3DS Edition

New Nintendo 3DS Edition
0.1.0							Added spider jockeys.

Issues

Issues relating to "Spider Jockey" are maintained on the bug tracker. Issues should be reported and viewed there.

Gallery

Renders

• 
  A spider jockey in Java Edition.
• 
  A spider jockey in Bedrock Edition.
• 
  A stray spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}
• 
  A bogged spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}
• 
  A wither skeleton spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}
• 
  A cave spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}
• 
  A stray cave spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}
• 
  A bogged cave spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}
• 
  A wither skeleton cave spider jockey.‌^{[Bedrock Edition only]}

Screenshots

• 
  A spider jockey at night.
• 
  A dueling skeleton and spider jockey.
• 
  During Halloween, it is possible for skeleton riders on spider jockeys to spawn wearing a carved pumpkin or jack o'lantern.
• 
  A spider jockey in a desert.
• 
  A spider jockey burning in daylight.
• 
  A wither skeleton riding a cave spider.
• 
  A spider jockey chasing the player.
• 
  A spider jockey with an enchanted bow shooting an arrow at the player.
• 
  A spider jockey.
• 
  A spider jockey in the rain.

Mojang screenshots

• 
  A skeleton riding a pig riding a spider, posted by Jeb on social media.

In other media

• 
  Lego Minecraft Spider Jockey.
• 
  A spider jockey as seen in A Minecraft Movie.
• 
  A spider jockey as it appears in Dungeon Crawl!

References

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