Jumping spiders are fascinating creatures known for their unique hunting techniques and impressive agility. These small arachnids, often sporting vibrant colors and identifiable markings, are commonly found in gardens and around homes. While their appearance and behavior may intrigue many, a common question arises – do jumping spiders bite?
In general, jumping spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Though they possess venom used for incapacitating their prey, the majority of bites inflicted on people result in mild symptoms, such as temporary pain and swelling at the bite site. However, it’s important to remember that individual reactions may vary, and it’s always best to exercise caution when interacting with these creatures.
Jumping Spiders Overview
Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae, which consists of over 6,000 species. They can be found in various habitats such as gardens, homes, and other outdoor environments.
These spiders are known for their colorful appearance and eight eyes that provide excellent vision. Some common species in the United States include the Phidippus audax and Salticus, which display striking black, white, yellow, or orange patterns.
As carnivores, jumping spiders primarily feed on smaller insects and rely on their excellent jumping abilities to catch prey. Their leaps can be many times their own body length, which helps them ambush prey effectively.
When comparing jumping spiders to other spiders, some key features to keep in mind are:
- Eight eyes with exceptional visual acuity
- Impressive jumping abilities
- Colorful, vibrant markings
Pros:
- Effective at controlling insect populations
- Generally not aggressive towards humans
Cons:
- May be unwelcome in homes or gardens due to their appearance
In conclusion, jumping spiders are fascinating creatures with impressive abilities and vibrant appearances, making them an essential part of our ecosystem.
Do Jumping Spiders Bite?
When Do They Bite?
Jumping spiders, members of the spider family Salticidae, usually bite humans when they feel threatened. Since jumping spiders don’t build webs, they rely on their powerful jumps to catch prey and escape danger. This means they are more likely to bite if cornered or provoked.
Bite vs. Poisonous Spiders
Jumping spiders are not considered dangerous, and their bites are painful but not deadly. Poisonous spiders, such as the black widow or brown recluse spiders, are more concerning due to their venomous bites. The table below compares jumping spiders with those more dangerous species:
| Spider | Bite | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Jumping Spider | Painful | Low |
| Black Widow | Venomous | High |
| Brown Recluse | Venomous | High |
Signs of a Jumping Spider Bite
A jumping spider bite may have the following features:
- Localized pain at the bite site
- Redness and swelling
- Non-severe symptoms, such as itching
Jumping spider bites are typically less severe than bites from poisonous spiders like the black widow or brown recluse. These more dangerous species can cause symptoms such as:
- Severe pain
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
If unsure about a spider bite, seek medical attention to ensure proper treatment and care.
Bite Symptoms and Effects
Mild Reactions
Jumping spiders are usually not dangerous to humans, and their bites often result in mild reactions. Some common mild symptoms of a jumping spider bite may include:
- Itching: Can vary from mild to intense, leading to discomfort
- Redness: The bite area may become reddish due to inflammation.
For example, a person might experience a small red area with itchiness around the bite site, which usually subsides within a few hours or days.
Serious Reactions
Serious reactions to jumping spider bites are quite rare but should not be ignored. If a person develops any of these symptoms, they must seek medical attention:
- Pain: Intense pain radiating from the bite site, which requires immediate attention
- Nausea and vomiting: Persistent feelings of nausea and episodes of vomiting
- Muscle cramps and weakness: Severe muscle cramps and overall weakness in the body
- Dizziness and breathing difficulties: Feelings of dizziness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
- High blood pressure, anxiety, and restlessness: A combination of these symptoms should be taken seriously.
| Mild Reactions | Serious Reactions |
|---|---|
| Itching | Pain |
| Redness | Nausea and vomiting |
| Muscle cramps and weakness | |
| Dizziness and breathing difficulties | |
| High blood pressure, anxiety, and restlessness |
As the table shows, mild reactions like itching and redness can be easily managed, while serious reactions require professional medical assistance. It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on an individual’s sensitivity to spider venom. Always seek professional help if severe symptoms persist.
Medical Attention and Treatment
When to Seek Medical Help
Jumping spiders rarely bite humans, and their bites are typically harmless. However, it’s essential to monitor for severe symptoms that may indicate a venomous spider bite. Seek medical help if you experience:
- Chills or fever
- Intense sweating
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Blurred vision
Treatment Options
For most jumping spider bites, simple at-home treatments can alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Key steps include:
- Clean the bite: Gently wash the area with soap and water.
- Reduce swelling: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in cloth to the affected area.
- Relieve pain: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
For more serious symptoms, a medical professional may administer antivenom or other treatments, depending on your condition.
Pros and Cons of At-Home Treatment:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to apply | Not suitable for venomous bites |
| Cost-effective | May not be enough for severe symptoms |
| Accessible |
Remember, always seek medical help if the symptoms worsen or persist.
Prevention and Safe Coexistence
Managing Jumping Spiders in Your Home
Jumping spiders, such as Phidippus audax, are generally harmless to humans and pets. They are mostly found in gardens and around homes. To prevent them from entering your home, you can:
- Seal cracks and gaps in your walls, doors, and windows.
- Install screens on windows and vents.
- Keep your home clean and free from clutter, particularly in corners and storage areas.
If you encounter a jumping spider indoors, you can safely capture the spider by using a cup and a piece of paper. Then, release it outdoors. Jumping spiders are not venomous, and their bites are rarely harmful, but they might bite if they feel cornered and threatened.
Insecticides and Alternatives
Using insecticides to control jumping spiders is generally not recommended due to their beneficial role as a natural insect pest control in gardens. Furthermore, they have excellent eyesight and can often avoid insecticide-treated areas. Some alternatives to insecticides include:
- Encouraging natural predators like birds and other spiders by creating a friendly habitat in your garden.
- Using sticky traps to capture spiders, but keep in mind that it might also capture other beneficial insects.
- If you’re experiencing an infestation, consider consulting with a pest control professional to discuss non-chemical options for managing jumping spiders.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Natural habitat | Encourages biodiversity and reduces insects | May also attract unwanted critters |
| Sticky traps | Non-toxic and easy to use | Might trap other beneficial creatures |
| Pest control | Professional guidance for management | Can be costly and might involve chemicals |
Remember, jumping spiders are generally harmless and friendly towards humans and pets, so coexisting with them should be prioritized over actions that might pose harm to these beneficial creatures.
22 Comments. Leave new
This is a female Phidippus clarus.
Following your idea that this jumping spider is of the subfaily Dendryphantinae… could this little guy/gal be of the Genus Phidippus? I think this could be a match for the picture posted http://bugguide.net/node/view/334464/bgimage
The genus Phidippus was our original suspicion, but we hadn’t the time to research this more closely yesterday. The photo that you have linked to looks quite close, but sadly, the image that was sent to us is lacking in clear details, so exact identification might not be possible. Even the specimen on BugGuide does not have an exact species identification. Many members of the genus Phidippus are variable in coloration. It is possible that J’s uncle was trying to identify a previously unidentified species or subspecies, but whether or not the proper protocol for new species recording occurred fifty years ago is not known. More carefully sifting through the images on BugGuide might actually reveal some answers.
Hi J. Hopkins:
Please don’t underestimate yourself, or overestimate some of the ‘expert’ commentary on this site. Although there definitely are a number of experts that contribute regularly to this site, I am by no means one of them, certainly not when it comes to spiders anyway. What I have always liked about this site is that it encourages people to not only appreciate the bugs around them, but to learn more about them, and to pitch in when others have a question. We can all become ‘experts’ if work at it enough. You are the one who saw the spider and it appears you have done your homework, so go with your instincts.
I should have added P. apacheanus (and perhaps others) to my short list of possibilities, but I missed it and you didn’t. Identifying an insect or a spider from a photo is very often tricky, more so when you have to rely on other photos to do so. That’s why I seldom offer a definitive answer and I always look for several sources before I offer an identification for a creature that falls outside my comfort zone (in this case I probably came off sounding more confident than I really was). I completely agree with the point you make in your last post; the internet is a fantastic resource but mistakes do get made. Regarding your spider, your photo was a bit fuzzy and didn’t show all the features that could be relevant to making an identification (one photo seldom does), so you may never get an absolute answer unless you get some more photos or get a opportunity to examine a specimen more closely. In the meantime, go with your answer, it sounds pretty good to me. I really appreciate your effort and follow-up comments – my own education continues. Regards. K
My son and I just found a spider EXACTLY like the one posted above. It was climbing up the side of my house (outside). We are happy to know that it is not dangerous. We live in Kansas, so they are not just found in OK. We lost it before we could take a picture to send in.
My son found one of these this afternoon 🙂 They’re so cute! I plan on trying to get a photo tomorrow. Thanks for all the great information!
I think this is a Gray Wall Jumper (Menemerus bivittatus). I just found a zillion of these little guys in a west Florida park.
Thanks for your suggestion. We don’t even know the location of this old sighting.
Dorsal markings clearly show it’s audax. Koch provides probably the easiest treatment of the markings. Audax, otiossus, and Regina can be differentiated by the shape of the dorsal markings.
I found a spider today here in Big Piney, WY it looks like the one pictured about but when I went to squish it, sorry I hate spiders, it was hard as a rock and wouldn’t squish. It’s also had the velvety red fuzziness on the rear and head. I have never seen a spider like this one, probably the size of a nickel. Is it harmful and is it a jumping spider?
Sure it wasn’t a red velvet ant/cow ant. Those things are impossible to kill.
Its Hyllus semicupreus couple
Thanks for the information.
I have the same in Hartford, CT.
Found one of these spiders on my porch yesterday. Was trying to identify. I am located south east Texas and have not been able to confirm identity of spider. I did take several pics but because he/she had gotten swept up with broom, wasn’t as vibrant from the sand/dust AND kept jumping around, which resulted in poor quality pic.
I just found one of these spiders in the casing of our patio door. Have not seen one like it before, and we’ve lived in Boulder, Colorado, for over 40 years. I didn’t kill it … I encouraged it to run down the casing, but it didn’t venture out onto the patio … it scurried under a part of the casing where, I assume, it felt protected. It matches that photo on this page exactly.
I just saw one of these amazing spiders after bringing home some scrap lumber in the Flint Hills KS. The wood had been sitting there long enough to gather some huge old webs. Didn’t squish this one! It ran along (with some ushering and probably scared out of it’s wits!) to the closest hiding spot. Looks *exactly* like the picture. I’ve never seen one like it before- Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take pics! Didn’t get a chance to see it jumping though
I live in New Britain ct and I just found one in my home I was very curious what kind of spider it was so I looked it up I found that they do jump on flat surface it was quite horrifying what frankly didn’t know we had spiders like that in Connecticut.
I killed this in Georgia
Just found one of these in my home home and thought it was poisonous. My dad killed it. :'(
this same one has been eyeballing me from my dash and steering wheel. I do not do 8 leggers well at all. It was stalking me. Has now met its demise. It looked like your picture
Came and visited my Mother in Benson,Az. And she said this thing was Eye following her everywhere she walked in the surrounding of the front porch.