A species of arachnid that is common in North America, the Zebra Jumper is known for its black and white exterior and its ability to run and jump quickly, as well as for its enlarged eyes and binocular vision.
So if you find a zebra jumper in your house, what should you do? Panic? Call pest control?
Most of the time, none of those things are necessary. This benevolent spider is beneficial for the environment and can usually just be reintroduced to the great outdoors.
Let’s take a closer look at this black and white spider and learn more about whether it’s a friend or foe and why!
Black and white spiders are some of the most visually striking arachnids out there. Their contrasting coloration makes them stand out against green leaves or tree bark. While not all black and white spiders are harmless, most do not pose a threat to humans. Let’s take a look at 18 of the most common types of black and white spiders found around the world.
1. Bold Jumping Spider
The bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) is one of the most common backyard spiders in North America. As its name suggests, it actively jumps and pounces on its prey rather than catching it in a web.
This spider has a black body with white patches or lines on its abdomen and legs. Females reach 16mm in body length while males are around 12mm. Despite being venomous, the bold jumper is not considered dangerous to humans.
2. Spinybacked Orbweaver
The spinybacked orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) is named for the six distinctive spines projecting from its abdomen. Its body is mostly white or yellow with black speckles or patches. Females can reach 15mm in body length.
This spider spins beautiful circular webs in gardens and woodlands. The spines may help protect it from predators. It is a harmless species that eats small insects.
3. Zebra Jumping Spider
With its vivid black and white stripes the zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus) lives up to its name. The contrasting colors serve as camouflage as the spider stalks prey during the day.
Females reach 9mm long while males are around 5mm. Despite being venomous, zebra jumpers are not aggressive and rarely bite humans unless handled roughly. They prefer to live on vertical surfaces like walls and tree trunks.
4. Spined Micrathena
The spined micrathena (Micrathena gracilis) is a small orb weaver with several blunt spines projecting from its abdomen Females have black and white bands on the legs and a bulbous black and white abdomen Males are mostly black with white patches on the cephalothorax.
This spider only reaches 10mm in length. Its spines are thought to help deter predators. It constructs vertical spiral orb webs in gardens and woodlands to catch small insects.
5. Coppered White-cheeked Jumper
The coppered white-cheeked jumper (Pelegrina aeneola) is aptly named for the vibrant copper hue on its face and cephalothorax The body is black and white striped Females reach 5.5mm long while males are 5mm.
This agile spider leaps onto prey rather than building a web. It inhabits vertical surfaces and eats small insects. Though venomous, it is not considered medically significant.
6. Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver
The red-femured spotted orbweaver (Neoscona domiciliorum) constructs large vertical orb webs to catch flying insects. It has a black and white marbled abdomen with bright red legs. Females reach 15mm long.
This spider dismantles its web each morning then rebuilds it at dusk when insects are active. Though venomous, it is reluctant to bite and poses little threat to humans.
7. Eastern Parson Spider
The eastern parson spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) is named for the distinctive white band around its “neck” that resembles a priest’s collar. The rest of the body is black. Females reach 19mm while males are 15mm.
Despite being venomous, parson spiders are not considered dangerous. They actively hunt prey at night instead of spinning webs. This spider sometimes enters homes by accident.
8. Noble False Widow
The noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis) has a bulbous brown or black abdomen with cream coloring on the legs and cephalothorax. Females reach 18mm long. It gets its name from its resemblance to black widow spiders.
This spider spins tough, messy cobwebs to trap prey. It will bite defensively if provoked but is reluctant to do so. Bites produce mild symptoms like pain and swelling.
9. Gray Wall Jumping Spider
Native to Africa, the gray wall jumping spider (Menemerus bivittatus) was introduced to parts of the US. Males have vivid gray and white zebra stripes on the abdomen and legs. Females are more muted brown and cream.
As the name suggests, this spider hunts prey by leaping rather than using webs. It lives on vertical surfaces like walls, fences, and tree trunks. Despite being venomous, it is not considered dangerous.
10. Bronze Jumping Spider
The bronze jumping spider (Eris militaris) lives up to its name with striking bronze-colored hair on its legs and cephalothorax. Its abdomen has broken white bands on an otherwise black background. Females reach 7mm long.
This spider actively stalks and leaps onto insect prey during the day. It often rests on vertical surfaces like walls and window frames while hunting. Though venomous, it is not aggressive toward humans.
11. False Black Widow
Despite the alarming name, the false black widow (Steatoda grossa) is not considered dangerous. Females have a brown or black bulbous abdomen with cream markings on the legs and cephalothorax. Males have more vivid black and white bands.
This spider spins tangled, messy webs to capture prey. It does bite humans if provoked but the venom only causes mild pain, swelling, and redness around the bite site.
12. Peppered Jumping Spider
The peppered jumping spider (Pelegrina galathea) is aptly named for the speckled black and white pattern on its body and legs. Males reach just 4mm in length while females are slightly larger at 5mm.
This tiny spider hunts prey by leaping and pouncing, often living on the ground among leaf litter and low vegetation. Its small size means it eats even tinier insects and poses no threat to humans.
13. Buttonhook Jumping Spider
The buttonhook jumping spider (Sassacus vitis) is common across North America. It has a black cephalothorax with white bands or lines and reddish-brown legs. Females reach 5mm while males are 4mm long.
As its name suggests, this spider actively stalks prey instead of spinning webs. It lives on plants and hunts small insects. Despite having venom, it does not pose a risk to humans.
14. Pantropical Jumping Spider
Recently introduced from Asia, the pantropical jumping spider (Plexippus paykulli) prefers warm climates. Males have vivid black and white zebra striping while females are more brownish with less contrasting colors.
Living up to its name, this spider hunts by stalking prey on plants and leaping to attack. It often rests on leaves and branches while watching for victims. Though venomous, it is considered harmless to humans.
15. Bowl and Doily Spider
The bowl and doily spider (Frontinella pyramitela) was introduced to North America from Europe. It has a marbled black and white cephalothorax and brownish legs. Females reach just 5mm in length.
This spider spins a unique web – a horizontal “doily” sheet anchored above a funnel-shaped “bowl” lined with silk. The spider waits in the bowl to leap out and catch prey on the doily. Despite being venomous, it does not threaten humans.
16. Sylvan Jumping Spider
The sylvan jumping spider (Colonus sylvanus) displays striking sexual dimorphism. Males have vivid black and white zebra striping while females are tan with subtle markings. Both sexes remain small at just 5mm long.
As its name advertises, this spider actively hunts prey instead of spinning webs. It lives among vegetation, leaping to catch tiny insects and spiders. Though venomous, it does not pose a risk to humans.
17. White Micrathena
The white micrathena (Micrathena mitrata) has a black and white patterned abdomen and spiny protrusions jutting from its backside. The rest of the body is black. Females reach 12mm in length.
This small orb weaver spins vertically arranged webs in gardens and woodlands to catch flying insects. The spines may help deter predators. Despite being venomous, it is harmless to humans.
18. Common White-cheeked Jumper
Lastly, the common white-cheeked jumper (Pelegrina proterva) is aptly named for the vibrant white patch on its face. Males have striking black and white zebra striping while females are more muted brown and tan.
Ranging between 4-6mm long, this agile hunter lives up to its name, actively stalking insect prey instead of spinning webs. Though venomous, it does not threaten humans.
Zebra Jumper (Salticus scenicus)
The zebra jumper is a small, black and white spider that is common in North America. It gets its name from the zebra-like stripes on its body.
This is the easiest way to tell this spider apart from other common species of spiders in the United States, like grass spiders, yellow sac spiders, or orb weavers. This spider likes to hang out in leaf litter and other wooded areas. It is one of the friendliest spider species you’ll find.
In addition, zebras jumpers have excellent eyesight and are able to leap on their prey with great accuracy.
The zebra jumper is a member of the Salticidae family, which includes more than 5,000 species of spiders. These spiders are known for their jumping ability, and they are also able to run rapidly on vertical surfaces.
The zebra jumper feeds primarily on small insects, including ones we consider pests, like mosquitoes, but it will also consume aphids and other small arthropods. These bugs are unique in that they can eat prey up to three times their size!
Zebra jumper spiders are unique in that they do not build webs to catch their prey. Instead, they actively hunt down their prey, using their speed and agility to capture them.
Once they have captured their prey, they will wrap it up in silk and then sink their fangs into it to inject venom. The venom quickly paralyzes the prey, allowing the spider to eat it at its leisure.
These spiders are not considered to be dangerous to humans, and they are actually classified as beneficial because of their role in controlling insect populations. They’re unlike other spiders you might find in North America, like the black widow spider, brown recluse spider, or wolf spider. Spider bites from a jumping spider are uncommon, and even if they do occur, they are unlikely to cause any pain or irritation.
The zebra jumper is found in a variety of habitats throughout the world, including in North America, Asia, and Europe.
The zebra jumper is most active during the spring and summer months, when it can be seen running rapidly across leaves and branches in search of prey.
Are Zebra Jumpers Poisonous?
Zebra jumpers are not poisonous to humans, but their bite can be painful. In most cases, the pain will go away after a few hours. However, some people may experience more serious reactions, such as swelling and redness.
Fortunately, zebra jumpers are not aggressive, and it’s highly unlikely that you will be bitten by one in the first place. These little black and white spiders are actually quite harmless, and they’re more likely to flee than to bite.
However, again, some people may experience minor irritation or swelling at the site of the bite. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
Adorable Little Jumping Spider Has Got Big! #shorts
FAQ
Is a white and black spider poisonous?
These little black and white spiders are actually quite harmless, and they’re more likely to flee than to bite. However, again, some people may experience minor irritation or swelling at the site of the bite. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
Are zebra spiders harmful?
Are They Dangerous? These spiders are not aggressive biters and will not bite unless handled or otherwise threatened. They do produce venom, which is used to subdue their prey, but this spider’s venom is likely only to cause minimal injury to humans since the spiders are so small.
Are black and white wolf spiders poisonous?
And they’re medium-sized — about 1/2 to 2 inches long. Wolf spiders aren’t venomous, meaning that they don’t make or secrete venom (poison).Sep 9, 2024
Are jumping spiders black and white?
They bodies are black and you can find a yellow or white triangle on the abdomens of adults and orange on the abdomens of juveniles.Nov 1, 2016
What are the different types of black and white spiders?
Spiders come in so many colors, shapes, and sizes. Black and white spiders are common and they also have unique markings. For example, some spiders are black with white stripes or spots, while others are mixed with other colors. Follow along to learn more about 6 different types of black and white spiders. 1. Zebra Jumping Spider
What is a black spider with white stripes?
Black spiders with white stripes are drawing attention with their striking coloration and unique markings. These spiders, characterized by their jet-black bodies adorned with contrasting white stripes or markings, belong to various species across different genera.
Are black and white spiders common in Texas?
The native orb-weaving black and white spider is common in southern and eastern Texas. Texas spider identification: The spinybacked orb-weaver is identified by its crab-like appearance and has a smooth white abdomen covered in black spots. There are also six distinctive black or red pyramidal projections around its oval abdomen.