Bug Identifier
Bold Jumping Spider
Community identification

Bold Jumping Spider

Phidippus audax

Order & Family
Order: Araneae; Family: Salticidae
Size
Typically 8 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 inches) in body length, with females being larger than males.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in open areas such as fields and grasslands, but also frequently seen on exterior walls of buildings, fences, and in gardens.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they eat a variety of small insects including flies, crickets, and other spiders. They are active hunters that stalk and pounce on prey.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal hunters known for their excellent vision and jumping ability. They do not build webs to catch food but use silk tether lines when jumping. They are curious and generally more observant of humans than most spiders.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as they control pest insect populations. While they are venomous, they are not aggressive toward humans and their bite is usually no more painful than a bee sting, rarely occurring unless the spider is handled roughly.