Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are among the fastest creatures in the arthropod world. Their speed and keen eyesight allow them to pounce on flies, crickets, and even other spiders with amazing accuracy.

Identification

Females reach lengths of 8-15mm. Males may grow to 13mm but more commonly average 6-12mm.

Environment

Because they are excellent climbers and jumpers, they are able to search for prey in many different locations. Some hunt on the ground, while others search tree trunks and plants for prey. Many are also common on man-made structures like fence posts and the sides of buildings. Jumping spiders are also especially common in barns and sheds.

Life Cycle

Like all spiders, young jumping spiders hatch from eggs and look like tiny adults. They shed their skin as they grow. Many female jumping spiders construct a silk case for their eggs and guard them until they hatch. The egg case is often built off of the ground in leaves, on branches, or in crevices on the sides of buildings.

Health Risks

These spiders can bite, but they are not considered dangerous except to people with severe allergies. Because they sometimes get into homes, jumping spiders are occasionally confused with the more dangerous brown recluse spider.