Red-backed jumping spiderlings (possibly)
Scientific Name: Phidippus audax (likely, but difficult to confirm precise species from image)
Order & Family: Araneae, Salticidae
Size: Spiderlings are very small, typically a few millimeters. Adults typically range from 8 to 15 mm (body length).
Natural Habitat
Widely found in various habitats, including fields, gardens, and human dwellings. Often found on vertical surfaces where they can spot prey.
Diet & Feeding
Jumping spiders are predators, feeding on a variety of small insects and other invertebrates. As spiderlings, they would hunt tiny prey.
Behavior Patterns
Jumping spiders are known for their excellent eyesight and active hunting strategy. They stalk and pounce on their prey rather than building webs to catch them. The congregation seen in the image could be newly hatched spiderlings dispersing from an egg sac, or a group seeking warmth/shelter.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered beneficial as they prey on common household and garden pests. They are not aggressive towards humans, and their bites are rare and typically harmless, comparable to a bee sting, causing only mild local pain and swelling.
Identified on: 9/12/2025