Phidippus audax

Spider Resources Types of Spiders Jumping Spiders

Phidippus jumping spiders are a genus of medium sized jumping spiders found in residential areas throughout the United States.

The Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) pictured above, shows the green chelicerae (jaws), another good field identification mark. Actual spider size is three-quarters of an inch, much smaller than depicted in the picture.

Well over two dozen different Phidippus species have been documented, and the links in the box point to a small sample. Like the bold jumper, they share the physical traits of having an oval abdomen with a round, flat head.

Differences among the listed species deal more with coloration than with body form. Generally, Phidippus species have darker banded legs, with shades of black, brown, red or yellow on the cephalothorax and abdomen.

Within species variation is common, adding to identification difficulties. Species identification is therefore tentative and subject to change.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels.