Animal Profiles
Arachnids

Jumping Spider

Salticidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Jumping spiders hunt with unusually acute vision. This account describes the bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax), a familiar predator in North American fields and gardens.

Phidippus audax, the representative described in this account.

Phidippus audax, the representative described in this account.

At a glance

Location
Bold jumping spiders occupy grassland, open woodland, gardens and cultivated areas.
Habitat
Grassland, Temperate forest, Towns and cities
Diet
Carnivore
Food
These spiders stalk insects and other spiders during the day before making a short pounce.

Classification

Common name
Jumping Spider
Browse group
Arachnids
Scientific name or taxon
Salticidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Araneae
Family
Salticidae
Source classification
Arachnida

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Large front eyes aid hunting.
  • It stalks prey in daylight.
  • A silk line acts as a safety tether.

Habitat and range

Bold jumping spiders occupy grassland, open woodland, gardens and cultivated areas. They search vegetation and other surfaces rather than relying on a large prey-catching web.

Appearance and adaptations

A compact, hairy body carries several conspicuous eyes, including a large forward-facing pair. The dark abdomen has contrasting pale or orange markings that can vary with age.

Diet and behaviour

These spiders stalk insects and other spiders during the day before making a short pounce. A silk safety line helps secure the spider if a jump misses its target.

Sources

Explore arachnids

Browse all arachnids