Jumping Spiders Salticidae
Jumping Spiders Identification
Color: Usually black, sometimes brown, tan, or gray, and usually with pale markings.
Size: Adult body length about 1/8 – ¾” (4-18 mm)
Legs: They have 8 legs
Antennae: No
Shape: Compact with relatively short legs
Region: Found throughout the United States
What are Jumping Spiders?
Jumping spiders are a type of spider that gets its common name from its ability to jump, which it uses to catch prey. Jumping spiders belong to the Family Salticidae. There are more than 4,000 known species of jumping spiders in the world, with about 300 species found in the United States and Canada, including zebra spiders, as well as commonly identified black jumping spiders.
Many wonder do jumping spiders bite and are jumping spiders venomous? While jumping spiders do bite on occasion, it is rare, and their bite is not terribly venomous. You can read on to learn what to do if bitten by a jumping spider.
What Do Jumping Spiders Look Like?
Jumping spiders are commonly mistaken for black widow spiders due to their compact black bodies with relatively short legs. However, black jumping spiders aren’t the only species of jumping spider. They can also be brown, tan or gray in color with pale white, gray, yellow, red, blue or green markings. Adult jumping spiders range in size from about 1/8-3/4” (4-18 mm) and are typically covered in dense hairs or scales that are brightly colored or iridescent. Their front legs are usually thicker and somewhat longer than their other legs.
Adult zebra spiders have gray bodies with white markings on their front and abdomen. Their legs are white or brown with gray rings, resembling a zebra. Female zebra spiders are 3/16-1/4” (4.3-6.4 mm), while males are 1/8-1/4” (4-5.5 mm).
All forms of this arachnid, from zebra to black jumping spiders, have eight eyes in three rows. The front row has four eyes with a very large middle pair.
Jumping spider bites are uncommon, but they can occur. Jumping spiders have fangs and are capable of biting. They may bite in self defense if they feel threatened. However, jumping spiders are far more likely to run away from people than attack them. When bites do occur, they may cause redness, itching, stinging and swelling.
If you suspect a jumping spider has bitten you, clean the site with soap and water. Then, apply a cold compress over the spider bite location. Adults can also take aspirin or acetaminophen and antihistamines to relieve minor symptoms.
If symptoms continue to worsen for more than 24 hours, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. If possible, bring the spider to the doctor for proper identification and treatment. Learn more about spider bites here.
Jumping spiders do possess fangs and produce venom, but their venom is not considered medically significant to humans.
Jumping spider retreats may be built under furniture, in drapery folds, between books on bookshelves, in cracks found in wood floors, around door and window molding, etc. Outside retreats may be found under loose bark, between leaves, etc. Indoors, spiders will usually be found hunting around windows and doors because more insects are attracted to these areas and their vision is best in sunlit areas. Outdoors, jumping spiders are commonly seen running over tree bark, under stones and boards, on bushes, fences, decks and the outside of buildings, especially sunny areas.
Jumping spiders are unlikely to infest a home, as they prefer outdoor environments with plentiful vegetation and sunlight, such as grassland and prairies. In these locations, they feast on bollworms, cotton leaf worms, webworms, cotton flea hoppers, stinkbugs, leafhoppers and mosquitoes. On occasion, jumping spiders might gain entry indoors via clothing or plants that are brought inside.
In some cases, jumping spiders will bite in defense, but their bite is not venomous. As such, jumping spiders are not considered a large danger to humans, especially given that these spiders are more likely to run away from people than attack them. Jumping spiders do possess fangs and produce venom, but the venom is not a medical threat.
Indoors, jumping spiders may build retreats:
- Under furniture
- Folds of drapery or curtains
- Between books on shelves
- Cracks in wood flooring
- Around door and window molding
They are often found hunting around windows and doors, where insects are more abundant and sunlight improves their vision.
Outdoors, jumping spiders may be found:
- On tree bark
- Under stones and boards
- In bushes, fences, and decks
- Along the exterior of buildings, especially in sunny areas
Jumping spiders are unlikely to infest homes. They prefer outdoor environments with abundant sunlight, vegetation, and insect prey, such as grassland and prairies.
Jumping spiders eat:
- Bollworms
- Cotton leaf worms
- Webworms
- Cotton flea hoppers
- Stink bugs
- Leafhoppers
- Mosquitoes
Occasionally, jumping spiders may enter homes by hitching a ride on clothing, plants, or other items brought indoors.
No. Unlike most spiders, jumping spiders are active during the daytime and prefer sunshine.
Jumping spiders are excellent hunters, due to their jumping ability and swift reflexes. Jumping spiders can rapidly move both sideways and backwards for short distances, and pounce on passing prey.
When threatened, jumping spiders may jump 20 times their body length. They use silk as a dragline when they jump, which acts as a safety line.
Yes. In general, jumping spiders have the best vision of any spider species and can detect and react to movement up to 18 inches (45 cm) away. However, their night vision is very poor.
Jumping spiders do not build snare webs. Instead, they build loosely woven, saclike web retreats. These retreats are used for molting, hibernation, nighttime seclusion and laying eggs. The egg sacs are typically lens-shaped and suspended like a hammock from the retreat’s wall.
Indoors, jumping spiders will build retreats under furniture, in drapery folds, between books, in cracks of wood floors, around doors and window moldings, etc. Outside, jumping spider retreats are found under loose bark and between leaves.
In New England, zebra, black and other colored jumping spiders mate in May, with eggs laid in June and July. Each egg sac contains 15-25 white eggs. It is believed that older spiderlings overwinter in a retreat and mature into adults the following spring. Adult male jumping spiders are found in April through July, while females are spotted from mid-May to late October.
The most common sign of a jumping spider infestation is seeing the spider itself. Jumping spiders will usually be found hunting around windows and doors because more insects are attracted to those areas.
To get rid of jumping spiders indoors, remove it with a vacuum and dispose of the vacuum bag outside.
To prevent jumping spiders from entering your home, focus on eliminating the most common entry points:
- Seal cracks and openings in walls with a silicone-based caulk
- Inspect windows and doors to ensure screens are properly installed and free of damage. Learn more about how to properly patch a screen.
Jumping spiders can also accidentally be brought indoors by hitchhiking on items like boxes, grocery bags or other items. Inspect these items before bringing them into the home to reduce the risk of a jumping spider infestation. Learn more about spider control for homeowners.
If you suspect a jumping spider infestation or are unable to manage the problem on your own, consider contacting a licensed pest control professional for assistance. Find one near you with the helpful zip code search below.
