Bold Jumping Spider - (Phidippus audax)

The tiny Bold Jumping Spider has a lot of audacity and isn't afraid to eat creatures much larger than itself.

Staff Writer (8/13/2014): As a member of the Salticidae family, this small jumping spider has the ability to leap more than 4 times its own body length. The rapid-fire pouncing allows them to ambush insect prey that they have stalked. It also allows for an unexpected escape from possible predators. Because they are so difficult to catch, it is unlikely observers will ever get bitten by one. They can and will bite, however their venom is not lethal and may only cause a stinging sensation.

This ubiquitous spider can be found in virtually any habitat, including homes, offices and cars. They are hunters that do not spin webs to catch prey so they are very active in the daytime. They must see their prey in order to catch it. Like other Jumping Spiders, Bold Jumpers create a small retreat for themselves to rest in that is lined in spider silk. This is also where they will take their catch and consume it.

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Details of the:
Bold Jumping Spider

Category: Spider
Common name: Bold Jumping Spider
Scientific Name: Phidippus audax
Other Names: Daring Jumping Spider, Bold Jumper

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Arachnida

Order: Araneae

Family: Salticidae

Genus: Phidippus

Species: audax

Size (Adult, Length): 6mm to 15mm (0.24in to 0.59in)

Identifying Colors: black, white, green,gray

Additional Descriptors: fast, jumping, pouncing, hairy, venomous, biting, striped

North American Reach (Though Not Limited To*): Alabama; Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin; Wyoming; Alberta; British Columbia; Manitoba; New Brunswick; Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Ontario; Prince Edward Island; Quebec; Saskatchewan; Mexico

* Keep in mind that an insect's reach is not limited by lines on a map and therefore may appear in areas/regions/states beyond those listed above.

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