Jumping Spiders - Salticidae

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are a large family of spiders, with a a couple hundred species found in the United States.

Spider Resources Types of Spiders Phidippus

While the number of species is high, the size of individual jumping spiders measures at the smaller size end of the scale. Most would easily sit on a fingernail.

Phidippus (see link in the resources box) is a genus of some larger and more colorful jumping spiders found in homes and yards around the United States.

Jumping spiders are best known for their eyes. As the picture shows, they have four eyes on the front of the face, the middle two are especially large.

Four additional eyes are at the top of the head.

Since the spiders themselves are so small, with the thorax and abdomen about one-quarter to one-half inch at most, you need a camera with good macro ability or a magnifying glass to see the details.

Without an optical aid, you can often differentiate between males and females. Males often have nicely colored thorax and abdomens, although some are more a drab color for camouflage.

Sight is the most important sense for the jumping spider, as it is the primary sense for obtaining food. Unlike orb weavers, for example, they do not build webs to catch their prey. In fact, the name jumping spider refers to the way they catch their prey.

Normally a jumping spider will sit still on low leaves, branches or even stones looking for a meal. They eat insects, including other spiders. Once an insect is spotted the jumping spider literally jumps on it.

While they do bite, many species are so small that their bite is more of a pinch. They are not poisonous.

In fact, there is very little chance of a jumping spider jumping at you, because like most wildlife, they are more afraid of you than you are afraid of them.

© 2006-2008. Patricia A. Michaels.