An Overview of the Fascinating Types of Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders are some of the most interesting and common spiders found around the world. There are over 6,000 described species of jumping spiders, with around 500 species found in the United States alone These spiders are known for their excellent vision, remarkable jumping abilities, and curious, expressive behaviors.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable jumping spider species and what makes each one unique. Whether you want to identify spiders you may find around your home or are simply fascinated by these charismatic arachnids read on to learn more about the diverse world of jumping spiders.

Identifying Traits of Jumping Spiders

All jumping spiders share a few key traits that set them apart from other spiders Some of their most distinguishing features include

• Compact, hairy bodies with short, powerful legs designed for jumping. They have a rectangular carapace (front body segment) and thick abdomen.

• Large, prominent eyes that provide excellent vision. Their main eyes are large and forward-facing. Most species also have three smaller pairs of eyes.

• No webs for catching prey. They actively hunt by ambushing or stalking insects.

• The ability to jump long distances very quickly using their back legs. Some can leap up to 40 times their body length.

• Expressive, curious behaviors. They often turn to face anything that catches their attention.

• Bright, vivid colors and patterns. Many species have stripes, dots, or bold markings on their bodies.

• Small size, usually between 3-12mm in body length.

Common Jumping Spiders in the U.S.

The United States is home to a wide diversity of jumping spider species. Here are some of the most frequently encountered:

Bold Jumping Spider

The bold jumper (Phidippus audax) is probably the most common jumping spider in the U.S. It has a black body with a distinct white triangle on its back. The chelicerae (mouthparts) are iridescent blue or green. It’s often seen in gardens, woodlands, and around structures.

Regal Jumping Spider

The regal jumper (Phidippus regius) is one of the largest jumping spiders in North America, up to 22mm long. It has a short, stocky build with bright white markings on a black body. A common backyard resident across the southeastern U.S.

Striped Jumping Spider

This aptly named spider (Phidippus clarus) has a black body with bright white stripes on its legs and palps. It prefers open habitats like fields and grasslands across eastern and central states.

Zebra Jumping Spider

As its name suggests, the zebra jumper (Salticus scenicus) is boldly striped in black and white. One of the most easily recognized jumping spiders, it frequents walls, fences, and tree trunks.

Twin-flagged Jumping Spider

The tiny twin-flagged jumper (Anasaitis canosa) has distinctive white flag-like markings on its two front legs. It’s common on leaves and structures in eastern states.

Tan Jumping Spider

The tan jumper (Platycryptus undatus) has a flattened shape that allows it to hide under bark and in crevices. Its mottled brown body provides great camouflage on fences, walls, and tree trunks.

Bronze Jumper

True to its name, the bronze jumper (Eris militaris) has a bronze or coppery sheen on its back. A frequent find in gardens and meadows throughout most of the continental U.S.

Johnson’s Jumping Spider

Phidippus johnsoni is aptly called the red-backed jumping spider thanks to its vivid crimson abdomen. It prefers dry, open habitats in western states.

Gray Wall Jumper

With its gray-white hairs and habit of frequenting vertical surfaces, the gray wall jumper (Menemerus bivittatus) is a common sight on walls and tree trunks in the southern U.S.

Jumping Spiders Around the World

While the U.S. hosts an impressive array of jumping spiders, these agile arachnids can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Here are a few fascinating species from around the globe:

• The giant lake diving spider found in East Africa is one of the largest jumping spiders at over 2cm long. As its name suggests, it actually dives and hunts underwater.

• The zebra spider of Australia mimics crab spiders to avoid being eaten by birds. It waves its legs slowly like a crab spider to fool predators.

• Chrysilla volupe, found in Southeast Asia, has striking metallic green chelicerae. The males put on elaborate courtship displays to attract mates.

• Ant-mimic spiders like Myrmarachne species use their first two legs to mimic antennae. Their ant-like movements provide protection from predators.

• Some species like the crimson picker occupy cold alpine meadows at high elevations in the Himalayas and Europe.

• Astia species found in Africa, Asia and Australia are some of the tiniest jumping spiders in the world, less than 3mm long.

Fascinating Behaviors

One of the things that makes jumping spiders so endearing is their inquisitive, animated nature. Here are some of their most fascinating behaviors:

• Excellent vision allows them to see objects up to 8 inches away. They can identify and stalk prey as it moves.

• Their large front eyes allow them to see you just as well as you see them. They will often turn to watch you observing them!

• Complex courtship dances by males involve visual displays, vibrations, and released pheromones to attract mates.

• Some species build small nests out of silk which they rest in at night or during bad weather.

• They release draglines of silk as they move which allows them to quickly escape predators.

• Babies go through several molts as they grow, occasionally eating their shed exoskeleton for nutrients.

Jumping spiders make up an exceptionally diverse, charismatic, and beneficial family of spiders. Whether you spot a zebra jumper patrolling your windowsill or watch a regal jumper hunt in your garden, take a moment to admire these tiny acrobats of the arachnid world. Their behaviors and athleticism never cease to impress.