Salticidae: Jumping Spiders

Salticidae: Jumping Spiders

Salticus scenicus

Salticidae are the jumping spiders. These small diurnal spiders do not make make webs to catch prey; rather, they actively hunt by stalking and pouncing. Their large anterior median eyes (AME) allow them to see better than most spiders. Jumping spiders make silken retreats in which they rest and molt.

Phidippus audax is also known as the "bold jumper" for very good reasons. This feisty species are around 10 mm in length and will feed readily in captivity and may display defensive behaviors if threatened or disturbed. Of course, they are considered harmless. They are quite charming with iridescent green chelicerae and a white or orange patch on the abdomen. P. audax is common and widespread over much of the eastern United States. The following were collecting in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Females are 8 to 13 mm, males are 6 to 10 mm, and legspans are 11 to 15 mm. Immatures overwinter.


"Patch" with an orange patch			A typical P. audax with a white patch


Adorable babies born in captivity (2006)! The mother died shortly after laying eggs, but all babies were released on the flowers outside my house.


Close-ups by Michael Ingram (East Cost) and Lindsey Pyne (Virginia). Note the large AME.

Platycryptus undatus is also known as the "familiar jumper" and is often found on tree bark. I collected the first individual on the side of a park bathroom by the St. Croix river in Wisconsin. The other photo is from Lindsey Pyne (Virginia). Females are 10 to 13 mm, males are 9 to 10 mm, and legspans are 12 to 15 mm. Eggs occur in summer and adults and other stages overwinter.


Platycryptus undatus from St. Croix River area, Wisconsin				From Virginia

Salticus scenicus is also known as the "zebra jumper" from its black and white pattern. These are are small spiders. S. scenicus is often found on the sides of houses on sunny days. This individual was photographed in the Chicago area of Illinois, but they are extremely common in Minnesota. Females are 4 to 6.5 mm, males are 4 to 5.5 mm, and legspans are 6 to 8 mm. S. scenicus overwinter as penultimates.

A few more...


Sitticus sp.	From Missouri (Brian Sherrill)

BACK