Jumping Spider: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

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Jumping spiders, belonging to the family Salticidae, are fascinating creatures known for their incredible vision and remarkable hunting skills. These spiders come in various sizes and color patterns, making them an interesting subject for those who appreciate the diverse world of arachnids. During the day, they rely primarily on their exceptional eyesight and the ability to detect movement to locate and stalk their prey, which they capture through a swift, calculated leap1.

One example of a jumping spider species is the Menemerus semilimbatus. Researchers have discovered that these little arachnids can identify biological motion, revealing how visually adept they are among arthropods2. Moreover, some well-known jumping spider species include the bold jumper (Phidippus audax) and the white-spotted jumping spider, both easily recognizable by their distinct markings3[^5^]. These captivating creatures continue to attract the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, as they provide valuable insights into the complexity and uniqueness of the animal kingdom.

Overview of Jumping Spiders

Taxonomy and Family Salticidae

Jumping Spiders are a fascinating group of arachnids belonging to the family Salticidae. This family consists of over 6,000 species, making it the largest family of spiders. Jumping spiders are known for their remarkable agility and jumping capabilities, which they utilize for hunting and navigation.

  • Jumping spiders: Can leap several times their body length
  • Family Salticidae: Over 6,000 species

Physical Characteristics

Jumping spiders are small creatures, with females measuring around 8-19 millimeters and males around 6-13 millimeters source. They possess a distinct eye arrangement, with four pairs of eyes, where one pair is prominently larger, offering them excellent vision.

Physical characteristics:

  • Size: Females 8-19mm, males 6-13mm
  • Eyes: Four pairs, one pair larger

Jumping spider vs other spiders:

Feature Jumping Spiders Other Spiders
Eye arrangement Four pairs, one pair larger Varies
Hunting technique Jump and pounce on prey Mostly using webs
Web-building Rarely build webs Builds webs for catching prey

These spiders are known for their striking colors and patterns, ranging from simple blacks and whites to vibrant colors like orange and iridescent green source.

Adaptations and Abilities

Vision and Eyesight

Jumping spiders, belonging to the family Salticidae, are known for their exceptional vision, thanks to their eight eyes. Their primary pair of eyes have a highly developed retina, which enables them to see more colors and have sharper vision than most other spiders. Some studies even suggest these spiders can identify biological motion.

Key features:

  • Eight eyes
  • Highly developed retina
  • Sharp vision and color perception

Hunting Skills and Predation

Jumping spiders are known to be daytime hunters, relying mostly on their excellent vision to locate prey. They actively hunt their prey, like insects, by stalking them before attacking in a fast leap. Due to their unique hunting skills, these spiders do not rely on webs for capturing prey. Instead, their bold coloring and patterns make them efficient predators. The jumping spider family includes a diverse range of species, such as Phidippus arizonensis, which is common in Central Texas.

  Jumping Spiders Other Spiders
Hunting Rely on vision and stalking Build webs to catch prey
Prey Insects Insects and other arthropods

Jumping Mechanism

A key feature of jumping spiders is their ability to make precise jumps to capture their prey or escape predators. When jumping, they can change direction quickly and accurately. To aid their jumping, these spiders release a line of webbing for safety, enabling them to return to their starting point if needed. The jumping mechanism is primarily facilitated by their strong legs and powerful muscles.

For a brief on jumping spiders, the above sections cover their adaptations and abilities related to vision and eyesight, hunting skills and predation, and their jumping mechanism. With their unique features, jumping spiders stand out in the world of arachnids.

Habitats and Distribution

Geographical Range

Jumping spiders can be found in various regions across the globe. They have a large distribution range that includes North America, the United States, and even remote regions like Antarctica1. Here are some examples of their habitats:

  • Forests
  • Grasslands
  • Deserts
  • Rainforests

Habitat Types

Jumping spiders thrive in different habitat types2. They adapt to their environment and can live on plants, trees, or even on the ground4. Some habitats they prefer include:

  • Forests: These spiders can be found on trees and plants, where they hunt for prey.
  • Deserts: In arid regions, jumping spiders inhabit shrubs and low-growing vegetation.
  • Grasslands: They can be spotted on grass stems and leaves, looking for insects to eat.
  • Rainforests: Jumping spiders live on the plants and tree branches in these lush environments.

Comparison Table: Jumping Spiders in Different Habitats

Habitat Pros Cons
Forest Abundant prey More predators
Desert Few competitors Scarce food resources
Grassland Easy mobility Limited hiding spots
Rainforest Rich ecosystem High competition

Jumping spiders are versatile creatures, adapting to different settings in search of food and shelter. They are a fascinating example of nature’s adaptability.

Diet and Feeding

Preferred Prey

Jumping spiders are carnivorous creatures that mainly seek out small insects and arthropods, such as:

  • Flies
  • Crickets
  • Fruit flies

Feeding Techniques

These spiders rely on their exceptional vision and stealthy hunting abilities. They often:

  • Stalk their prey
  • Pounce on the victim in a fast leap

Jumping spiders put out a line of webbing when they jump, making it easier to catch their target.

Captive Diet and Feeding

When keeping a jumping spider as a pet, its diet might include:

  • Small crickets
  • Fruit flies
  • Houseflies

It’s essential to maintain a clean and appropriate enclosure to ensure their overall well-being. To feed them efficiently, consider:

  • Providing live prey
  • Mimicking their natural hunting techniques

Comparison Table

Feeding Technique Pros Cons
Stalking Utilizes jumping spider’s keen vision Requires patience and observation
Pouncing Allows for quick capture of prey Demands precise timing and accuracy

In summary, understanding the diet and feeding habits of jumping spiders will help you care for them effectively and appreciate their unique hunting abilities.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

Mating and Courtship

Jumping spiders exhibit fascinating mating rituals. Males often perform elaborate dances to attract females, including waving their legs and displaying bright colors. For example, males of the genus Habronattus have colorful displays to attract the attention of females1.

  • Males: perform intricate dances
  • Females: observe and choose a mate

Lifespan

The lifespan of jumping spiders varies by species. Many live for about one year, reaching adulthood in just a few months2. However, some species live longer, up to two years.

  • Age: From a few months to two years
  • Adults: Most live for one year
Species Approximate lifespan
Phidippus audax 1 year
Menemerus bivittatus 1-2 years

Jumping Spider Species

Phidippus Audax

Phidippus audax, commonly known as the bold jumping spider, is a popular species among jumping spiders. Their appearance is characterized by:

  • Black body with white or sometimes iridescent blue markings
  • Large, forward-facing eyes
  • Body length up to 15mm long

These spiders are known for their agile hunting skills, primarily relying on their excellent eyesight to locate and stalk prey before attacking with a fast leap.

Phidippus Regius

Another fascinating species is the Phidippus regius, or regal jumping spider. They feature:

  • Dark body, often with a variety of colorful markings, such as oranges, yellows, or reds
  • Large, forward-facing eyes similar to the Phidippus audax
  • Slightly larger body size, up to 22mm for females

Both the Phidippus audax and regius can be found in various habitats, and hunt during the day, contributing to their popularity among jumping spider enthusiasts.

Comparison table

Feature Phidippus Audax Phidippus Regius
Body color Black with white/blue Dark with various colors
Eyes Large, forward-facing Large, forward-facing
Max body length Up to 15mm Up to 22mm (females)
Habitat Various Various
Hunting time Day Day

It is important to note that the Phidippus audax and regius are just two examples among the 6000+ species of jumping spiders. Their exciting diversity makes jumping spiders an interesting topic for nature lovers and researchers alike.

Coloration and Patterns

Adaptive Coloration

Jumping spiders exhibit a wide array of colors and patterns on their bodies. Some species are known for their iridescent hues, while others display bright spots or stripes. These colorations often serve important adaptive purposes, such as camouflage or warning signals to predators.

For example, the Phidippus audax, also known as the bold jumper or white-spotted jumping spider, has a black body with distinct irregular orange to white spots on its abdomen, which can help them blend in with their surroundings.

Aesthetics and Appeal

In addition to their adaptive benefits, the colors and patterns of jumping spiders also play a role in courtship and mate selection. Males often have more vivid colorations, and these attractive features may help them secure a mate.

Features of some jumping spiders include:

  • Iridescent scales
  • Bright orange, red, or white spots
  • Stripes on the abdomen

Comparison Table: Adaptive Coloration vs Aesthetics and Appeal

Feature Adaptive Coloration Aesthetics and Appeal
Use of colors Camouflage Attract mate
Importance to species survival High Medium
Typical patterns and colorations Spots and stripes Iridescent scales

While there is much to learn about the incredible diversity in coloration and patterns among jumping spiders, it is clear that these features serve both adaptive and aesthetic purposes in their lives.

Keeping Jumping Spiders as Pets

Benefits and Challenges

Jumping spiders make fascinating pets due to their curiosity and unique movements. They also require relatively low maintenance, making them ideal for busy pet owners. However, they may not be suitable for people who want a pet to interact with, as they are independent creatures.

Some benefits of keeping jumping spiders as pets include:

  • Easy care and feeding
  • Unique, captivating behaviors
  • Minimal noise

Challenges of keeping jumping spiders as pets:

  • Limited social interaction
  • Potential escape risk

Housing and Care

When it comes to housing, jumping spiders need a secure terrarium or tank, as they can escape through small openings. The size of the enclosure should be about 10-20 times their body length, allowing for adequate movement. A healthy environment typically includes:

  • Ventilation: essential for preventing mold growth and ensuring proper humidity levels
  • Substrate: such as coconut fiber or peat moss for moisture retention
  • Hiding spots: like pieces of bark or small plants

Jumping spiders need access to sunlight or a natural light source for proper development. Misting their enclosure regularly helps maintain proper humidity levels, and a shallow water dish provides them with a much-needed water source.

Handling

While jumping spiders can be handled, it’s essential to exercise caution, as they can be unpredictable and jumpy. They are not known to bite humans unless feeling threatened. Gently coax the spider onto your hand using a small brush or a similar tool. Keep your movements slow and steady to minimize stress on the spider and ensure a positive interaction.

Safety and Venom

Severity of Bites

  • Jumping spiders are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Their bites are usually mild and cause minimal discomfort.

Jumping spiders, including species like Phidippus audax and Menemerus bivittatus, are generally harmless to humans. Although larger species can give a locally painful bite if roughly handled, they are not venomous or dangerous to our health12.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of a bite include: mild pain, redness, and swelling.
  • These effects are temporary and should subside within a few days.

In the rare event of a jumping spider bite, the affected individual may experience mild pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the bite4. These symptoms typically last for a short period and resolve on their own.

Treatment

  • Clean the bite area with soap and water.
  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling.

If bitten by a jumping spider, it is advised to clean the affected area with soap and water and apply a cold compress or an ice pack to minimize swelling3. In most cases, no further medical treatment is required. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

Footnotes

  1. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/jumping-spider.htm 2 3 4
  2. https://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/jumping-spider/ 2 3 4
  3. Jumping spider – Plant & Pest Diagnostics – College of Agriculture and Natural Resources – MSU 2
  4. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/jumping-spider 2

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bold Jumper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

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Tags: Jumping Spider

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50 Comments. Leave new

  • hey i have one of those spiders that i caught at my job i really wanna know what it is too all i know about it is it came from california i work in produce at stop&shop in NY and the spider came in inside a box of grapes from california

    Reply
  • Well i still dont have a name for this spider but please dont fear it or kill it i have found orver the last two weeks that i’ve had this spider at my house it is kinda friendly,well to me anyway i have held it in my hand with no problems i have noticed it does have a really good appitite it feeds at least 10 or so times a day witch i’ve never seen a spider do that i know ofmine is about a 1/4 inch long without the legs if you find out what its name is please let me know its really bothering me that i cant figure it out i’m usualy really good with spiders i’ve been a big spider fan all my life

    Reply
  • This looks like a jumping spider in the genus Phidippus, but it gets fuzzy after that. As far as I can tell it most closely resembles P. clarus, or possibly P. johnsoni. There is quite a bit of variability within all the species and I haven’t been able to find a pattern that looks exactly like the one in this photo. K

    Reply
  • This looks like the same spider that likes our humming bird feeder. When the bees discover it had been refilled this spider is back in a matter of days and living a very happy life with a steady food supply.

    Newhall CA

    Reply
  • lordvimless
    May 12, 2011 9:22 pm

    thats not entirely true about the web, i have a spider exactly like that in a cup and it formed a web all over the inside. the green fangs are awesome.

    Reply
    • Dear lordvimless,
      Thanks for your comment. This posting is nearly 7 years old, and as we have stated numerous times, we do not have backgrounds in entomology or science, but rather, we are artists who have an interest in promoting appreciation of the lower beasts. We have learned much in the seven years since this posting first went live on the internet. We would now qualify that response to read that they do not build webs to snare their prey. Jumping Spiders like all spiders are able to spin silk, but their silk is not used to build a web to trap insects and other prey. They may construct shelters from silk as well as spinning silken egg sacs.

      Reply
  • The butterfly might be a Eresia sticta, Nymphalidae, Melitaeini, the Costa Rican Crescent. But I am not 100% sure. It looks pretty worn

    Reply
  • I’ve always had a fondness for jumping spiders, not only because I think they’re rather cute but because they seem to be able to figure out that you’re looking at them. If you gaze at a jumping spider that’s standing on your finger, it will lift up on its front legs and move its body back and forth, presumably to check you out–jumping spiders have excellent vision. I’ve even encountered individuals that would go into what looked to be their mating routine in this set up, waving their palps and front legs back and forth rhythmically. Thus, though no jumping spider has ever bitten me, at least a few confused or just extremely ambitious males apparently did want to have their way with me.

    Reply
  • Considering your location, I suggest that this may be a male Phiddipus jonsoni. I live in southern California and I own a female that was caught locally, so I’ve looked up a lot about her species.

    Reply
  • Hi guys,
    this looks a lot like a species that is quite rare in Australia and poorly described, closely related to the Old World order of Mopsus. Here is a link to Mopsolodes australensis
    http://www.findaspider.org.au/find/spiders/489.htm

    Reply
    • Thanks so much Trevor. With global travel of humans increasing year by year, we expect the introduction of nonnative species will also be increasing.

      Reply
  • Looks like a male Hentzia Grenada to me.

    Reply
  • I just went a little further, it’s a male Hentzia mitrata (http://bugguide.net/node/view/37825/bgpage). Fortunately the adult males of each species in this genus are pretty distinctive.

    Reply
  • my favorite arachnids!

    Reply
  • Looks very much like a male Hentzia mitrata: http://bugguide.net/node/view/37825

    Reply
  • I have one at my house in Michigan looks like the pic above I was going to kill it by dropping something on it and it used its leg in the air like saying pit it down I hate spiders but I did not drop it on it and now it despaired a little wired so I looked on the internet and found your page

    Reply
  • I meant 3 not 2 in my email

    Reply
  • Hello! My girlfriend and I have a rather large version of a jumping spider that hangs out around our window. Not a mutant by any means but we are under the impression that it eats other spiders and will not be harmful to us. I do not have a photo but I live in the western new york area.

    The spider: about the size of a quarter ( maybe 1/5th smaller diameter) blackish with hulk arms and as mentioned before, a jumper. Are there such things as anti-spider spiders?

    Reply
  • Hello! My girlfriend and I have a rather large version of a jumping spider that hangs out around our window. Not a mutant by any means but we are under the impression that it eats other spiders and will not be harmful to us. I do not have a photo but I live in the western new york area.

    The spider: about the size of a quarter ( maybe 1/5th smaller diameter) blackish with hulk arms and as mentioned before, a jumper. Are there such things as anti-spider spiders?

    Reply
  • Hey I found one in Boise but it was fluffier

    Reply
  • I have no idea how to tag a picture to this… iPods are weird

    Reply
  • Maria Padilla
    April 17, 2014 3:14 pm

    I found this same spider on my baby’s leg.. =( is it really harmless because it looks horrible

    Reply
    • Jumping Spiders are considered harmless, though we acknowledge that a large Jumping Spider might bite.

      Reply
    • I found one in my daughter’s car seat with her I almost had a heart attack trying to get it out with her still strapped in it was terrifying

      Reply
  • Are these found in the Chicago area? Because there is one that won’t let me in the front door of my house right now!

    Reply
  • To expand upon your answer, the actual spider you saw is most likely a Bold Jumping spider.

    Reply
  • You’re on the right track Gaurav (if you ever see this answer – noting the date).
    This jumping spider is a male ‘Anderson’s House Jumping Spider’, or Hasarius Andersoni. I have some lovely pictures of the female, but don’t seem to be able to post in the reply…

    Reply
  • You’re on the right track Gaurav (if you ever see this answer – noting the date).
    This jumping spider is a male ‘Anderson’s House Jumping Spider’, or Hasarius Andersoni. I have some lovely pictures of the female, but don’t seem to be able to post in the reply…

    Reply
    • Thanks for providing a comment on this eight year old posting which did not include a location for the sighting as it predates our standardized form. You may submit your images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site and we will link back to this posting.

      Reply
  • *claps* I would’ve run for sure XD

    Reply
  • That spider omg I have the same one what is is ppl I’m soooo curious idk they eat huge ass butterfly’s lol

    Reply
  • The black with white spots and teal fangs spider, are they dangerous? Can its bite kill?

    Reply
  • I found three on the hose it scared me cause I’m terrified of spiders

    Reply
  • We were greeted at the back door coming home from an appointment by this creature. Or rather my daughter was, which made her fly back to the car in a split second – seriously. I was charged with getting rid of it before she would go into the house. I did my duty, the spider went into the outside trash can and entry to the home was gained. Second one of these gems in a week. Definitely caused some heebie-jeebies around here. Hope there isn’t a third one lurking around…..

    Reply
  • this kind of spider was on my dad’s old car in the back when I was with my friend recording a video and in the video you see our reactions and it was awful, I just about peed.

    Reply
  • One was found in Oxford, fla. My friend used her phone to photograph the spider and it jumped on her phone. YIKES!

    Reply
  • jumping spider

    Reply
  • I live in Portland Oregonand I first saw this type of spider about 10 years ago it was have white on its back with fluorescent emerald green fangs.I recently found another type of these species with emerald green fangs.only it had rust colored fuzz on its backand on the side of its fangs

    Reply
  • I had one of these in my house an I wanted to know if it was safe to be around?

    Reply
  • I love my little jumping spider.

    Reply
  • Every time I sit in a park in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (where I live), I will inevitably find one of these critters crawling around on me. Maybe they think l’m a tree. At least now I know what to call them.

    Reply
  • Barbara Thurlow
    December 29, 2018 11:42 am

    This is Metacyrba taeniola.

    Reply
  • Christina Guyette
    June 26, 2020 3:32 pm

    How do we get rid of these spiders. An will they bite?

    Reply

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