J
Species Profile

Jumping Spider

Salticidae

Big vision. Bold jumps.
iStock.com/Windy Soemara

Jumping Spider Distribution

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Found in 35 countries

isolated jumping spider

At a Glance

Family Overview This page covers the Jumping Spider family as a group. Stats below are general traits shared across the family.
Also Known As Hopping spiders, Jumpers
Diet Insectivore
Activity Diurnal+
Lifespan 1 years
Weight 0.002 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

Salticidae is the largest spider family, with 6,000+ described species and many more likely undescribed.

Scientific Classification

Family Overview "Jumping Spider" is not a single species but represents an entire family containing multiple species.

Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) are a large, diverse group of spiders characterized by active hunting, agile jumping, and exceptional vision. They do not rely on capture webs to catch prey; instead they stalk and pounce, anchoring themselves with a safety dragline of silk.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Salticidae

Distinguishing Features

  • Very large anterior median eyes (forward-facing) giving excellent acuity and depth perception
  • Active stalking behavior and sudden leaps to capture prey
  • Uses silk primarily for draglines, retreats, and egg sacs rather than prey-capture webs
  • Often compact, fuzzy bodies with vivid colors or iridescence in some species
  • Frequent complex courtship displays (leg waving, body bobbing) and in some groups intricate predatory strategies

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Length
♂ 0 in (0 in – 1 in)
Weight
♂ 0 lbs (0 lbs – 0 lbs)
♀ 0 lbs (0 lbs – 0 lbs)
Top Speed
2 mph
Venomous

Appearance

Primary Colors
Brown Black Gray Tan White Cream
Secondary Colors
Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Purple Pink Silver Gold Spotted Striped
Skin Type Chitinous exoskeleton covered with dense setae that look velvety, fuzzy, or scaly and may be shiny. Outer layer is matte to slightly glossy. Silk used for draglines and retreats, not for prey webs.
Distinctive Features
  • Family-level size range (smallest to largest members): about 0.1-2.5 cm body length (most species commonly about 0.3-1.2 cm).
  • Compact, high-cephalothorax body plan typical of salticids; robust stance with strong legs adapted for rapid pivots and jumps (jumping powered hydraulically plus muscle action).
  • Eye arrangement is a defining trait: very large forward-facing anterior median eyes (AME) for high-acuity vision, plus additional eyes providing wide field-of-view; gives a 'big-eyed' appearance.
  • Active hunting without a prey-capture web: most stalk and pounce on prey, attaching a silk safety dragline before jumps; many build small silk retreats for resting, molting, or egg-guarding.
  • Common prey and ecological role: primarily predators of small arthropods (flies, mosquitoes, small moths, ants/termite alates, other spiders); some species show specialization (e.g., ant predation/mimicry, spider-eating), so diet breadth varies across genera and habitats.
  • Many jumping spiders are active by day and rely on sight. They live in leaf litter, shrubs, trees, grasslands, deserts, coastal dunes, and on walls or window frames. Different species prefer different microhabitats.
  • Color diversity acknowledgment: many salticids are cryptically colored (brown/gray/tan) for camouflage; a subset show vivid or metallic accents and bold contrast, especially in males used for signaling; brightness is not universal across the family.
  • Lifespan range across the family: commonly ~6-18 months in the wild for many small/temperate species, with some living ~2-3 years (especially larger species and/or in favorable conditions; captivity can extend lifespan).
  • Human interaction generalization: frequently encountered around homes and gardens due to active daytime hunting; most species are harmless to people, with bites uncommon and typically mild when they occur.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in Salticidae is common but varies. Males often have brighter colors, shiny scales, long or fringed legs, or big pedipalps for courtship. Females are often larger and duller for camouflage and egg care. In some groups sexes look alike; in others they differ a lot.

♂
  • Often more contrasting or 'flashy' patterning (e.g., black/white patches, bright accent colors, metallic/iridescent scales), though many males remain cryptic depending on lineage.
  • More elaborate courtship structures: thicker or more ornamented front legs (fringes, tufts), prominent facial setae, and conspicuous color patches used in visual displays.
  • Enlarged pedipalps (male copulatory organs) that can be visibly bulbous; sometimes darker or more contrasting than surrounding body parts.
  • Display behaviors closely tied to appearance: leg-waving, body bobbing, lateral movements, and palpal drumming-intensity and style vary widely among genera/species.
♀
  • Frequently larger abdomen and overall size compared with males in many species (but not universal), reflecting egg production and brooding.
  • More cryptic coloration/patterning is common (mottled brown/gray/tan), aiding concealment during nesting and egg-guarding, though some females can also be distinctly patterned.
  • Less pronounced leg ornamentation and fewer high-contrast/iridescent display patches in many species; however, some lineages show subtle dimorphism with similar-looking sexes.
  • Behavioral dimorphism commonly includes stronger association with silk retreats during egg care; degree of maternal guarding varies among species.

Did You Know?

Salticidae is the largest spider family, with 6,000+ described species and many more likely undescribed.

They don't use capture webs to catch prey-most hunt by sight, stalking and pouncing.

Their front "principal" eyes provide exceptionally sharp vision for a spider; many species can track moving targets and turn to face you.

A jump is typically secured by a dragline of silk, acting like a safety tether if they miss.

Courtship can be spectacular: many species use dances, leg-waving, colorful scales, and vibrations; Australian "peacock spiders" (Maratus) are famous examples.

Diet is diverse across the family: most take insects, some specialize on ants, and some (notably Portia) hunt other spiders.

Body size varies widely-from tiny species around ~1-2 mm long to some large jumpers approaching ~18-22 mm body length.

Unique Adaptations

  • Distinctive eye arrangement: four pairs of eyes with large forward-facing principal eyes enabling high-resolution vision and accurate depth judgment at close range.
  • Movable retina in principal eyes: the retina can scan, helping track objects without large body movements.
  • Precision jumping powered by hydraulics: spiders extend legs using fluid pressure (a common spider mechanism), enabling fast, controlled leaps.
  • Silk "safety line" (dragline): reduces fall risk and allows rapid recovery after a missed jump; also aids climbing and escape.
  • Specialized body scales and colors: many species use structural coloration and UV-reflective patterns for signaling; patterns can differ between sexes and species.
  • Mimicry across the family: repeated evolution of ant-like forms (myrmecomorphy) and other disguises that can deter predators or help approach prey.
  • Cognitive predation strategies: in some lineages (e.g., Portia), tactics include deceptive approaches, timing-based attacks, and exploiting other spiders' webs.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Active, mostly diurnal hunting: many species patrol sunlit surfaces (leaves, bark, walls, windowsills), scanning visually rather than waiting in a web.
  • Stalk-and-pounce predation: approach in short, careful steps, then leap to seize prey; exact tactics vary by species and habitat.
  • Silk used for safety and shelter: rather than prey-capture webs, most make silken retreats (for resting, molting) and egg sacs; a dragline often anchors jumps.
  • Complex courtship signaling: visual displays (leg waves, body postures, color flashes) often paired with substrate-borne vibrations; display styles vary greatly across genera.
  • Territoriality and threat displays: many defend small hunting areas; some raise front legs, spread chelicerae, or perform jerky movements toward rivals.
  • Flexible diets and tactics: while flies and small insects are common prey, some species are ant specialists, some take nectar/pollen opportunistically, and a few are adept spider-hunters.
  • Varied social tolerance: most are solitary, but some species show higher tolerance of neighbors or temporary aggregations, especially around abundant prey or suitable retreats.
  • Navigation and detours: several salticids can plan indirect routes and perform detours to reach prey, suggesting advanced spatial problem-solving for spiders.

Cultural Significance

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are common near people on walls, fences, and plants. Harmless to humans, they eat pests, are popular in photos and education, kept as pets, and inspire studies of sight and tiny robots.

Myths & Legends

Anansi is a spider trickster and culture hero in West African and Akan stories. He uses clever plans to outsmart stronger beings and often brings stories to people; tales show spiders' smart, careful ways.

Spider Woman (Hopi and other Indigenous Southwestern traditions): a powerful spider-associated figure tied to creation, weaving, teaching, and protection-often credited with guiding people or helping shape the world through weaving and wisdom.

Arachne (Greek mythology): a gifted mortal weaver transformed into a spider after a contest with Athena, linking spiders to skill, pride, and weaving symbolism in later European storytelling.

Uttu (ancient Mesopotamian tradition): a goddess associated with weaving and spiders in some retellings and scholarly discussions of Sumerian mythic figures, reinforcing the long-standing connection between spiders and textiles.

Binding Bride (Japanese folklore) is a spider spirit that can change into a woman to lure and trap people, showing the mysterious and dangerous side of spider stories in East Asian legend.

In many European home tales, spiders were often seen as lucky or kept safe; people thought harming them could bring bad luck, showing both fear and respect for these small creatures.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated (family-level; IUCN assessments are primarily species-specific and do not assign a single status to the entire family Salticidae)

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Unknown

Looking for a specific species?

Bold jumping spider

Phidippus audax

In English-language contexts, this is one of the most frequently photographed, referenced, and used-in-education 'jumping spider' species (common around homes and gardens in much of North America), so it is often what people mean when they say "a jumping spider," even though Salticidae is a huge, global family.

  • Family-wide size range is broad: smallest salticids are ~1.5-2 mm body length, while the largest can reach ~20-25 mm (many species fall roughly in the 3-12 mm range).
  • Across the family, lifespan commonly spans ~6-24 months, with some temperate species potentially reaching ~2-3 years when overwintering occurs; exact longevity varies strongly by species, climate, and sex.
  • General ecology across Salticidae: mostly diurnal, visually oriented hunters that stalk and jump to capture prey; they typically use silk for safety draglines and retreats rather than capture webs.
  • Behavior varies widely across the family: some are ant mimics, some specialize on other spiders (e.g., Portia spp.), some include nectar/pollen in their diet, and rare lineages show unusual plant-based feeding strategies.
  • Salticidae are globally distributed (nearly worldwide except Antarctica) and occupy habitats from leaf litter and grasslands to tree canopies, deserts, and human structures-so microhabitat and hunting tactics can differ markedly among genera.

You might be looking for:

Bold jumping spider

24%

Phidippus audax

Common North American jumping spider; black with white/orange spots; frequent around buildings and vegetation.

Zebra jumping spider

18%

Salticus scenicus

Small black-and-white striped jumper often found on walls, fences, and sunny surfaces in temperate regions.

Regal jumping spider

15%

Phidippus regius

Large, charismatic jumper in the southeastern U.S.; notable sexual dimorphism and fuzzy appearance.

View Profile

Portia jumping spider

12%

Portia fimbriata

Web-invading specialist known for complex predatory behavior; found in parts of Asia and Australasia.

Tan jumping spider

10%

Platycryptus undatus

Flattened, bark-associated North American species; excellent camouflage on tree trunks and wooden structures.

Life Cycle

Birth 40 spiderlings
Lifespan 1 year

Lifespan

In the Wild
0.3–3 years
In Captivity
0.5–4 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Solitary
Breeding Pattern Transient
Fertilization Internal Fertilization
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Salticidae (jumping spiders) are mostly polygynandrous (both sexes mate with many partners) and solitary. Males court with dances and use pedipalps for internal fertilization. Pair bonds are brief; mate guarding, cannibalism risk, and sperm competition vary.

Behavior & Ecology

Social Aggregation Group: 1
Activity Diurnal, Crepuscular, Cathemeral, Nocturnal
Diet Insectivore Small flies (Diptera) and other soft-bodied, manageable insects
Seasonal Hibernates

Temperament

Visually oriented, active hunters that tend to be bold and investigative at close range, yet cautious and quick to retreat when threatened.
Often strongly territorial or intolerant toward same-sex conspecifics at close distances; escalation ranges from display-based standoffs to physical combat, varying widely among species and contexts.
Cannibalism (including sexual cannibalism) occurs across the family but is highly variable; risk is influenced by hunger level, relative size, and effectiveness of male courtship signaling.
Many species show notable behavioral plasticity (learning, route planning, prey specialization in some lineages), contributing to wide variation in aggression, tolerance, and hunting strategy across the family.
Some lineages (e.g., ant-mimicking forms) tend to be more skittish/avoidant and may rely more on deception and rapid escape than overt confrontation; others are comparatively robust and more willing to engage.

Communication

Visual signaling is central: complex courtship and threat displays using leg-waving, abdomen/pedipalp movements, body postures, color/iridescence, and in some species UV-reflective patterns; display repertoires vary greatly across genera and habitats.
Vibratory/substrate-borne signaling is common during courtship and contests (drumming, scraping, tremulation) transmitted through the ground, plants, or web/retreat silk; the balance of visual vs vibratory signaling varies with microhabitat and lighting.
Chemical communication via pheromones and silk cues: individuals detect conspecific presence/sex/reproductive status from draglines and retreat silk; these cues influence mate searching, avoidance, and courtship intensity.
Tactile communication occurs at close range during courtship/copulation and in agonistic encounters; contact behaviors are often preceded by ritualized displays to reduce risk of attack.
Silk-mediated communication is indirect but important: retreats function as signaling hubs (occupancy, reproductive state, maternal status) and as focal points for interactions; reliance on retreats varies widely across the family.

Habitat

Rainforest Forest Deciduous Forest Coniferous Forest Woodland Grassland Savanna Prairie Steppe Shrubland Desert Tundra Alpine Meadow Mountain Cliff/Rocky Outcrop Cave Wetland Swamp Marsh Mangrove Estuary Coastal Beach Rocky Shore Urban Suburban Agricultural/Farmland Plantation +22
Biomes:
Tropical Rainforest Tropical Dry Forest Savanna Desert Hot Desert Cold Mediterranean Temperate Grassland Temperate Forest Temperate Rainforest Boreal Forest (Taiga) Tundra Alpine Wetland +7
Terrain:
Mountainous Hilly Plateau Plains Valley Coastal Island Riverine Volcanic Karst Rocky Sandy Muddy +7
Elevation: Up to 16404 ft 3 in

Ecological Role

Widespread mesopredators in terrestrial arthropod communities; important regulators of insect populations across many habitats

natural pest control in gardens, crops, and forests via predation on herbivorous insects suppression of disease-vector insects in some contexts (e.g., mosquitoes where encountered) food-web support as prey for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and larger arthropods influencing arthropod community structure through both generalist predation and localized specialization (e.g., ant or spider predation) potential incidental contributions to pollination dynamics when foraging on flowers (via nectar/pollen visits in some species)

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Small flying insects Moths and butterflies Beetles True bugs Ants, wasps, and bees Termites Spiders Mites and other small arthropods Invertebrates Tiny vertebrates +4
Other Foods:
Nectar pollen honeydew

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are wild, non-domesticated spiders with over 6,000 species worldwide. People often find them in homes and gardens and tolerate them because they eat insects. They are used in education and science outreach and often photographed. A few species are kept or bred as pets, but most are not kept.

Danger Level

Low
  • Bites can occur if trapped or handled; typically mild/localized (redness, itching, brief pain), with severity varying by individual sensitivity and species size
  • Secondary infection risk if a bite is scratched or not kept clean (uncommon)
  • Allergic reactions are possible but rare (as with many arthropod exposures)
  • Indirect risk: fear/phobia responses leading to unsafe reactions (e.g., falling, overuse of pesticides indoors)

As a Pet

Suitable as Pet

Legality: Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are usually legal to keep if caught locally or bought from breeders, but laws vary. Some places ban wild collection or limit transport. Always check local wildlife and import rules.

Care Level: Moderate

Purchase Cost: Up to $100
Lifetime Cost: $20 - $250

Economic Value

Uses:
Biological pest control (ecosystem service) Education and outreach Scientific research (vision, neurobiology, behavior, robotics inspiration) Pet/invertebrate hobby trade Nature photography/media
Products:
  • natural reduction of nuisance insects in gardens/greenhouses (indirect service, not a standardized commercial product)
  • educational classroom kits/observations (live specimens sourced legally, often captive-bred in some markets)
  • research organisms for studies on vision, jumping biomechanics, and animal behavior
  • captive-bred pet specimens and basic enclosures/supplies sold by hobby vendors
  • media content and ecotourism interest (photography, documentaries, outreach programming)

Relationships

Predators 7

Spider wasp
Spider wasp Pompilidae
Mud daubers Sphecidae
Praying mantis
Praying mantis Mantodea
Small insectivorous birds
Small insectivorous birds Passeriformes
Lizards
Lizards Squamata
Frogs and toads
Frogs and toads Anura
Larger spiders
Larger spiders Araneae

Related Species 6

Wolf spiders
Wolf spiders Lycosidae Shared Order
Crab spiders
Crab spiders Thomisidae Shared Order
Orb-weaver spiders
Orb-weaver spiders Araneidae Shared Order
Nursery web spiders Pisauridae Shared Family
Lynx spiders Oxyopidae Shared Order
Ground spiders Gnaphosidae Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 5

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Wolf spider
Wolf spider Lycosidae Like many Salticidae, wolf spiders are active, cursorial hunters that rely on pursuit and ambush rather than prey-capture webs. They overlap broadly in ground-layer habitats and prey types (insects and other arthropods), though wolf spiders generally depend less on acute forward vision than jumping spiders.
Crab spider
Crab spider Thomisidae Share a sit-and-wait ambush niche on vegetation and flowers, preying on pollinators and other insects; rely on stealth and positioning rather than capture webs, although their locomotion and eye morphology differ.
Lynx spider Oxyopidae Diurnal visual hunters on shrubs and grasses. They often stalk or lunge at prey in a manner functionally similar to Salticidae, resulting in strong niche overlap in foliage-dwelling predation.
Nursery web spiders Pisauridae Active hunters that may chase or pounce and use silk primarily for retreats and egg care rather than prey-capture webs; they overlap around watersides and vegetation where insects are abundant.
Assassin bugs
Assassin bugs Reduviidae Non-spider arthropod predators occupying similar small-visual ambush/pursuit-hunter roles on plants and walls. Some converge on ant-mimicry and stalking strategies that overlap with salticid (jumping spider) microhabitats.

Types of Jumping Spider

16

Explore 16 recognized types of jumping spider

Zebra jumping spider Salticus scenicus
Bold jumping spider Phidippus audax
Regal jumping spider
Regal jumping spider Phidippus regius
Johnson's jumping spider Phidippus johnsoni
Adanson's house jumper Hasarius adansoni
Gray wall jumper Menemerus bivittatus
Pantropical jumping spider Plexippus paykulli
Fencepost jumping spider Marpissa muscosa
Arched jumping spider Evarcha arcuata
Fringed jumping spider Portia fimbriata
Portia jumping spider Portia labiata
Giant jumping spider Hyllus diardi
Shiny jumping spider Cosmophasis umbratica
European peacock spider Saitis barbipes
Habronattus jumping spider Habronattus coecatus
Bagheera (mostly plant-eating jumping spider) Bagheera kiplingi

“The jumping spider is known as the ‘cute spider’.”

Members of the largest spider family, jumping spiders, are diurnal and love to hunt in the sunshine. Unusually pretty for arachnids, they come in a rainbow of colors, though even the biggest one, Hyllus giganteus, is small.

More than just a pretty face, the spider hunts insect pests in the worst way; it carefully stalks then jumps on them to deliver a killing, venomous bite. Here are more facts about this amazing little spider.

Scientific Name

Phidippus regius, regal jumping spider - Black Spiders in Florida

The family Salticidae includes the jumping spider. The Latin word saltus, which means “jump,” is where the name originates.

©iStock.com/Macrolife.it

The jumping spider belongs to the Salticidae family. The name comes from the Latin word saltus, which means “jump.” There are 600 genera in this family and over 6,000 species, some with subspecies. Genus names include:

  • Abracadabrella
  • Nosferattus
  • Thrandina
  • Drizztius
  • Imperceptus
  • Frigga
  • Portia
  • Popcornella
  • Bagheera

Evolution and Origins

Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders have developed excellent vision that supports a diverse range of visually-mediated behaviors.

©Professional Fine Art/Shutterstock.com

Humans have evolved to find big eyes and round faces cute. This helps humans to survive and help nurture offspring.

While jumping spiders are, in fact, super cute, they did not evolve to be cute for people. Jumping spiders are so cute they have even made their way into pop culture in animated shorts. Their large forward-facing eyes and fuzzy bodies may be adorable, but their purpose is for hunting and camouflage.

In fact, salticid spiders have developed excellent vision that supports a diverse range of visually-mediated behaviors. They have different body shapes and colors, and some even resemble ants or beetles. They use various techniques to catch prey, such as stalking, web-making, and ambushing, and some specialize in catching specific types of prey.

Furthermore, mating displays are both visual and vibrational, and some species engage in male-male agonistic displays. Like many spiders, females tend to attack and sometimes kill their male counterparts if the courting does not go just right. In fact, videos and other documented footage can be found of this very common jumping spider behavior.

Different Types

Jumping spiders can be found all over the world.

©iStock.com/Kala Stuwe

  • Phidippus
  • Bold jumper
  • Phidippus regius
  • Peacock spider
  • Zebra spider
  • Tan jumping spider
  • Plexippus paykulli
  • Portia
  • Gray wall jumper
  • Myrmarachne
  • Maratus
  • Euophrys omnisuperstes
  • Salticus
  • Dendryphantinae
  • Bagheera kiplingi
  • Mopsus mormon
  • Evarcha
  • Marpissa muscosa
  • Habronattus
  • Marpissa
  • Salticinae
  • Heliophanus
  • Myrmarachne formicaria
  • Euophrys
  • Phintella
  • Cosmophasis
  • Carrhotus xanthogramma
  • Saitis barbipes
  • Toxeus magnus
  • Lyssomanes
  • Aelurillus
  • Pseudeuophrys
  • Pellenes
  • Phlegra
  • Maevia inclemens
  • Trite
  • Hentzia
  • Telamonia dimidiata
  • Siler
  • Euophryini
  • Icius
  • Hyllus semicupreus
  • Anasaitis canosa
  • Epeus
  • Phiale
  • Synageles venator
  • Sibianor
  • Pseudicius
  • Manzuma
  • Mago
  • Hispo

Appearance

Unlike other spiders, the jumping spider is known to have a “face.”

©iStock.com/Jan Rozehnal

Identification of jumping spiders from other types of spiders is rather easy. Their heads, unlike those of other spiders, can be said to have faces, as the surfaces are flat and their anterior median eyes or AME are huge, close together, and front-facing.

The amazing facts about their eyes are that they give the spider excellent, three-dimensional vision and allow it to find and leap on prey with accuracy. The eyes also make some people regard them as cute, a word seldom used to describe other spiders. Six smaller eyes form a sort of horseshoe around the AME.

Like all spiders, jumping spiders have eight legs. The front pair is larger than the back legs, and they are held somewhat like the legs of crab spiders. However, the identification of crab spiders can be told because their eyes are nothing like the eyes of jumping spiders. The jumping spiders’ front legs are meant to grab their prey, but their smaller hind legs provide the power to jump.

Jumping spiders also come in vivid colors, from the translucent jade green of Onomastus kinoi to the brilliant colors of the well-named peacock jumping spider to the pretty spots and stripes and metallic blue mouthparts of the bold jumper. Some of these spiders can even change the colors of their eyes.

Identification of jumping spiders from each other is more challenging, as many look so much alike that they can only be told apart by microscopic analysis.

Behavior

Animals that Eat Insects – spider

Regardless of the method of entrapment, most spider species consume insects.

©amirhamzaa/Shutterstock.com

Jumping spiders are diurnal, and they’re known for their irregular and somewhat jerky movements as they walk. They don’t spin webs, but as they move from place to place they lay down a dragline of silk, so they can pull themselves up if they jump and miss. The jumping spider also uses their silk to build nests where it can sleep, molt, make egg cases, and protect itself from inclement weather.

Habitat

It can be said that these spiders live just about anywhere where they can find prey and shelter. Indeed, the highest living animal in the world is Euophrys omnisuperstes, a jumping spider that lives on Mount Everest at an elevation of about 22,000 feet. The very name of this tiny spider means “standing above everything.”

Diet

Male regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) adult feeding on a cricket

Male regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) adult feeding on a house cricket.

©iStock.com/Macrolife.it

The great majority of jumping spiders are carnivores and mostly prey on insects. They have powerful venom that’s often enough to paralyze prey several times larger than they are. Some, such as the regal jumper, are big enough to take baby geckos and iguanas. Yet some of these spiders sip nectar, and the beautiful Bagheera kiplingi is largely vegetarian and eats nutrient-rich Beltian bodies from a type of mimosa tree. Once in a while, it will steal a larva from an ant that guards the tree or eat another B. kiplingi spider.

Other spiders, such as Portia, are specialists in eating other spiders. A Portia spider will lower itself on a strand of silk into another spider’s web. It will then cause the web to vibrate as if it’s caught prey, and when the owner comes to investigate, Portia jumps. Ant specialists have evolved to resemble the ants themselves, the better to hunt them. Other spiders will steal prey caught in another spider’s web.

Predators and Threats

As small arachnids, jumpers are part of the diet of a variety of predators. As previously mentioned, they will eat each other. They are in turn eaten by other families of spiders such as wolf spiders. Other creatures that have jumping spiders on the menu are birds, frogs, toads, and lizards. Spider wasps paralyze spiders, drag them to their nests, and use them as food for their larvae.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

These arachnids usually mate during the spring and summer. Their mating rituals have fascinated scientists and onlookers for years. Male jumping spiders sometimes have spectacular iridescent colors with which to woo females.

They often perform a dance where they wave and vibrate their legs, zigzag, or even “sing.” Even male spiders whose coloration looks dull to the human eye might be fluorescent to a female of the same species. If the female is interested, she’ll crouch, or even collapse. Some go belly up. The male is then allowed to climb on top of her and mate.

The female jumping spider might carry the fertilized eggs inside them for a couple of weeks before they go to a secluded place and lay their eggs in an egg case woven of silk. She’ll take care of the egg case and then care for the spiderlings they are independent.

Some females die soon after this. There is one spider that nurses its babies with what can only be called milk. This species is the ant mimics Toxeus magnus. This spider nurses her babies, especially her daughters, for as long as 38 days after they hatch.

Population

The population of jumping spiders is easily in the billions. There are 6,000 species of this spider, and they thrive in a variety of habitats on Earth.

View all 52 animals that start with J

Sources

  1. Wikipedia / Accessed December 29, 2021
  2. photography-on-the.net / Accessed December 29, 2021
  3. UFIFAS / Accessed December 29, 2021
  4. ITIS / Accessed December 29, 2021
  5. LIVESCIENCE / Accessed December 29, 2021
  6. iNaturalist / Accessed December 29, 2021
  7. arachnos.eu / Accessed December 29, 2021
  8. The Science Explorer / Accessed December 29, 2021
  9. PNAS / Accessed December 29, 2021
  10. YouTube / Accessed December 29, 2021
  11. xoPetGuides / Accessed December 29, 2021
Rebecca Bales

About the Author

Rebecca Bales

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats.
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Jumping Spider FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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