Bold Jumping Spider

Scientific Name: Phidippus audax

Order & Family: Araneae: Salticidae

Size: 8 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 inches) in length, with females being larger than males.

Bold Jumping Spider

Natural Habitat

Open areas including grasslands, prairies, and suburban environments where they are often found on fences and exterior walls.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; they hunt a variety of insects and other spiders. They are active hunters that do not use webs to catch prey.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal hunters known for their excellent vision and ability to jump many times their body length. They use silk as a safety line while jumping and to build retreats for molting and sleeping.

Risks & Benefits

Beneficial to ecosystems and homeowners as they control pest populations. They are not considered dangerous to humans; while they can bite if trapped or mishandled, their venom is mild and comparable to a bee sting.

Identified on: 4/24/2026