Bold Jumping Spider

Scientific Name: Phidippus audax

Order & Family: Order Araneae, Family Salticidae

Size: Typically 8 to 15 mm in length, with females being larger than males.

Bold Jumping Spider

Natural Habitat

Found in a variety of environments including grasslands, prairies, open woodlands, and commonly around human structures like gardens, decks, and window sills.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator exploring its environment to hunt insects (flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars) and other spiders. They do not use webs to catch prey.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal hunters with excellent vision. They use a silk 'safety line' when jumping. Males perform elaborate courtship dances. They are known for being curious and more visually reactive to humans than most spiders.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardeners as they control pest populations. While they are venomous to их prey, their bite is generally harmless to humans (similar to a bee sting) and they only bite in self-defense if handled roughly.

Identified on: 3/27/2026