Jumping Spiders - Salticidae

Additional Spider Resources Bronze Jumper Thiodina sylvana Zebra Jumper Phidippus Phidippus audax Phidippus arizonensis Phidippus borealis Phidippus clarus Phidippus regius Types of Spiders

Jumping spiders (Salticidae), a large family of spiders, with a a couple hundred species found in the United States. are best known for their binocular eyes.

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.

Because of their diminutive size, identifying any one species presents its own challenges, often resolved by the use of a camera with good macro ability to enlarge the body patterns.

Without an optical aid, differentiation between males and females often starts with color. Many males of the species are known to have colorful bodies that the females, although that rule of thumb does not always stand.

Phidippus, a genus of some larger and more colorful jumping spiders, rank among the most common Salticidae species found in homes and yards around the United States.

Sight is the jumping spider's most important sense because. Unlike orb weavers, for example, they do not build webs to catch their prey.

In fact, the name jumping spider refers to their hunting strategy, which consists of sitting still on low leaves, branches or even stones looking for a meal (insects and other spiders). Once spotted, the jumping spider literally jumps on it.

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

The links in the box point to a handful of Salticidae species, with an emphasis on those species belonging to the Phidippus genus.

© 2006-2009. Patricia A. Michaels.