Jumping spiders are some of the most fascinating arachnids you can find outdoors. Known for their excellent vision, bold personalities, and sudden leaps, these spiders often surprise people with their curious nature and striking appearances. From the colorful Peacock Spider to the fuzzy Bold Jumper, each species brings its own charm and behavior.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 different types of jumping spiders, focusing on their unique features, habitats, and habits—especially the ones you’re most likely to see in your garden.
1. Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
The Bold Jumping Spider is one of the most familiar jumping spiders across North America. It’s easily recognized by its black, compact body, white or orange spots on its abdomen, and shimmering green or blue mouthparts. Active and curious, this spider often catches attention with its quick, jerky movements and bold behavior.
Identification
- Black body with white or orange spots on the abdomen
- Stocky legs with a fuzzy appearance
- Iridescent green or blue chelicerae (mouthparts)
- Size ranges between 13–20 mm
- Prominent front-facing eyes
Habitat
Bold Jumping Spiders adapt well to various environments. They are commonly found in gardens, on outer walls, wooden fences, and patio furniture. Sometimes, they wander indoors and settle near windows or light sources. Open sunny areas with plenty of vertical surfaces are their favorite hunting grounds.
Behavior
This spider doesn’t build webs for catching prey. Instead, it hunts during the day using sharp vision and precise jumps. It stalks its target slowly, then leaps to capture it. These spiders are also known for their curious behavior; they sometimes appear to watch humans with interest. While mostly harmless, they might bite if threatened, though the bite is not dangerous.
Diet
- Flies, moths, and small bugs
- Caterpillars and ants
- Occasionally other spiders
2. Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus)
The Zebra Jumping Spider is a small, energetic spider named for its black and white striped pattern resembling a zebra. Common in Europe and North America, it’s frequently seen on walls, fences, and windowsills during sunny days.
Identification
- Black body with white horizontal stripes
- Small size, usually 5–9 mm
- Short legs with striped appearance
- Large front eyes typical of jumping spiders
- Males may have slightly larger front legs
Habitat
Zebra Jumping Spiders prefer open, sunlit surfaces. They are often found on exterior walls, garden furniture, rocks, and tree trunks. They can also be spotted inside homes near bright windows or glass doors, especially in spring and summer.
Behavior
These spiders are active daytime hunters. They move in short bursts, stopping to observe with their large eyes. When prey is spotted, they stalk and leap with precision. Unlike many spiders, they show no fear of vertical or smooth surfaces and can climb glass easily. They’re also curious and sometimes appear to watch humans.
Diet
- Fruit flies
- Small moths and gnats
- Ants and tiny beetles
- Occasionally other small spiders
3. Tan Jumping Spider (Platycryptus undatus)
The Tan Jumping Spider is a flat-bodied species often found resting on tree bark, fences, and walls. Its muted brown and gray coloring provides excellent camouflage in natural and man-made environments.
Identification
- Flat body with mottled tan, gray, and brown colors
- Light and dark markings form a wavy pattern
- Grows up to 10–13 mm
- Large front eyes with fuzzy head
- Hairy body with short legs
Habitat
This spider prefers vertical surfaces like tree trunks, wooden siding, fences, and outdoor furniture. It blends well into bark and wood, making it harder to spot. Often seen during the day, it occasionally enters buildings and hides in quiet corners or behind curtains.
Behavior
The Tan Jumping Spider is known for its calm, deliberate movements. It doesn’t spin webs for trapping prey but uses silk lines for safety while jumping. It hunts visually, waiting for the right moment to leap onto its target. Though naturally shy, it may approach slowly when curious or threatened.
Diet
- Small flies
- Gnats and mosquitoes
- Moth larvae
- Other tiny insects it can overpower
4. Golden Jumping Spider (Paraphidippus aurantius)
The Golden Jumping Spider is a striking species known for its shimmering golden or metallic green sheen, especially on the cephalothorax. Males and females differ slightly in appearance, but both display vibrant coloring and strong jumping abilities.
Identification
- Metallic golden-green or bronze body
- Females often have a central white stripe on the abdomen
- Males are darker with iridescent green chelicerae
- Grows around 7–13 mm in length
- Stout body with thick legs
Habitat
Golden Jumping Spiders are usually found in gardens, meadows, shrubs, and weedy areas. They prefer sunny spots with flowers and tall grasses, where insects are plentiful. They’re also found on the sides of buildings, near windows, or under eaves.
Behavior
These spiders are bold and alert. They actively patrol plants and structures for prey, often moving quickly and pausing to assess their surroundings. They’re not aggressive but may leap defensively when disturbed. Their keen eyesight helps them detect even the smallest movements.
Diet
- Flower flies and bees
- Grasshoppers (young) and caterpillars
- Other spiders and soft-bodied insects
5. Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius)
The Regal Jumping Spider is one of the largest and most majestic jumping spiders found in the southeastern United States. It’s admired for its vibrant color patterns and curious, almost playful behavior.
Identification
- Large body, females up to 22 mm
- Females: black with white spots and orange accents
- Males: darker with vivid iridescent chelicerae
- Dense body hair gives a fuzzy look
- Robust, strong legs
Habitat
This species thrives in warm climates. You can often find them in gardens, bushes, forest edges, and inside sheds or barns. They favor sunlit areas and frequently perch on flowers, posts, or walls during the day.
Behavior
Regal Jumping Spiders are curious and bold. They explore their surroundings thoroughly and use silk draglines to secure their landings. They rely on sharp vision and stealth to approach prey and execute a quick jump. If handled gently, they’re known to tolerate human presence and may even investigate a finger or hand.
Diet
- Crickets, flies, and small beetles
- Caterpillars and moths
- Sometimes other spiders
6. Brilliant Jumping Spider (Phidippus clarus)
The Brilliant Jumping Spider stands out with its bright color contrasts and distinctive body markings. It’s commonly found in gardens and tall grassy areas, where it patiently waits for prey among leaves and stems.
Identification
- Males: black with white legs and orange-red head
- Females: brownish with white patterns on the abdomen
- Iridescent green or blue chelicerae
- Body length ranges from 6–13 mm
- Compact, sturdy build
Habitat
This spider prefers open areas with plenty of vegetation. It’s usually seen on shrubs, tall grass, and flowering plants. During late summer, it may also venture onto porches, fences, and windowsills, especially in suburban gardens.
Behavior
The Brilliant Jumping Spider is a patient ambush hunter. It moves slowly through foliage, positioning itself for the perfect strike. Males are particularly active during the breeding season and may display by raising their front legs. Despite their flashy appearance, they remain cautious around larger creatures.
Diet
- Aphids and small beetles
- Fruit flies and gnats
- Caterpillars and other small insects
7. Red-backed Jumping Spider (Phidippus johnsoni)
The Red-backed Jumping Spider is easy to spot thanks to its bold red or orange abdominal marking. Found in western North America, it’s one of the most colorful and common jumping spiders in dry, open environments.
Identification
- Bright red or orange back (abdomen)
- Black body with white markings near the head
- Males slightly smaller and darker than females
- Large front-facing eyes
- 8–15 mm in length
Habitat
This spider thrives in dry, open habitats like deserts, grasslands, and rock piles. It can also be found around homes, under stones, and in crevices or woodpiles. It seeks out sunny spots during the day and hides at night.
Behavior
Red-backed Jumping Spiders are agile and alert. They use excellent eyesight to detect and ambush prey. Though not aggressive, they may rear up when threatened. Females often guard their egg sacs and may bite in defense, though the bite is mild.
Diet
- Ants, flies, and moths
- Other spiders
- Small ground-dwelling insects
8. Magnolia Green Jumping Spider (Lyssomanes viridis)
The Magnolia Green Jumping Spider is a slender, vibrant green spider known for its translucent body and large, prominent eyes. Unlike many jumping spiders, it has a more delicate appearance and is often found on green foliage, making it well-camouflaged.
Identification
- Bright green, semi-transparent body
- Orange or red patches between the eyes
- Long, thin legs compared to other jumpers
- Body length around 7–9 mm
- Large forward-facing eyes with shiny black pupils
Habitat
This species is mainly found in the southeastern United States, especially in magnolia trees and dense green shrubs. It blends well with leaves and stems, making it hard to spot unless it moves. Gardens with lots of vegetation or flowering trees are ideal habitats.
Behavior
The Magnolia Green Jumping Spider is cautious and relies on camouflage for protection. It moves slowly and deliberately, often stalking prey with calculated steps. It uses silk lines for stability when navigating narrow leaves. These spiders rarely bite and tend to flee when disturbed.
Diet
- Leafhoppers and plant bugs
- Tiny flies and gnats
- Insect larvae hiding in leaves
9. Bronze Jumping Spider (Eris militaris)
The Bronze Jumping Spider is named for its shiny, metallic bronze coloration. It’s a small yet bold hunter, often seen patrolling fences, tree bark, and garden walls. It’s widespread in both urban and rural settings across North America.
Identification
- Bronze or copper-toned body with white bands
- Dense hairs cover the body
- Large head with thick front legs
- 5–8 mm in length
- Short, compact build with fast movement
Habitat
Bronze Jumping Spiders prefer vertical surfaces like fence posts, tree trunks, walls, and even window frames. They often live near human homes, taking advantage of sunlit areas that attract flying insects.
Behavior
This spider is an energetic daytime hunter. It relies on bursts of speed and sudden jumps to catch its prey. It also uses silk as a dragline for support while moving. The spider is curious and might stare directly at larger animals, including humans, when approached.
Diet
- Small flies and mosquitoes
- Beetles and aphids
- Occasionally, other small spiders
10. Daring Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)
(Note: This is another common name for the Bold Jumping Spider, but in some regions, it’s used distinctly.)
Often confused with the Bold Jumping Spider, the Daring Jumping Spider is a regional name variant known for its fearless nature and distinctive white spots. It’s one of the most commonly observed jumping spiders across North America.
Identification
- Black body with bold white or orange spots
- Iridescent green or blue chelicerae
- Thick, hairy legs and compact shape
- Adult size ranges from 13–20 mm
- Large central eyes for sharp vision
Habitat
Daring Jumping Spiders live in a wide variety of habitats including gardens, walls, fences, forest edges, and grassy fields. They’re often seen near human dwellings and prefer sunlit surfaces where prey is active.
Behavior
Highly active during the day, these spiders use excellent eyesight to stalk and pounce on prey. They’re bold and curious, sometimes approaching or observing humans. While they might leap defensively when startled, they are not dangerous and rarely bite.
Diet
- Flies, ants, and moths
- Caterpillars and small beetles
- Occasionally feeds on other spiders
11. Emerald Jumping Spider (Mopsus mormon)
Native to Australia and surrounding regions, the Emerald Jumping Spider is large, colorful, and visually striking. Males are especially decorative, making them a favorite among spider enthusiasts.
Identification
- Bright emerald-green cephalothorax
- Males have fan-like front legs with white fringes
- Females are duller in color but larger
- Body length up to 15 mm
- Thick, bushy eyebrows (tufts above eyes)
Habitat
Emerald Jumping Spiders are tree-dwelling species. They are commonly found on leaves, tree trunks, and sometimes inside buildings with indoor plants. They favor tropical and subtropical environments with lush vegetation.
Behavior
These spiders are alert and confident hunters. Males are known for their courtship displays, which include leg waving and body posturing. They move quickly, scan their surroundings constantly, and rely heavily on visual cues for hunting and communication.
Diet
- Flies, wasps, and bees
- Small butterflies or moths
- Occasionally small vertebrates like tiny lizards (rare cases)
12. Peacock Spider (Maratus volans)
The Peacock Spider is perhaps the most famous jumping spider due to its vivid colors and elaborate mating dance. Native to Australia, this tiny spider has captivated scientists and nature lovers with its beauty and theatrical behavior.
Identification
- Males display a colorful, fan-like flap on their abdomen
- Vivid blues, reds, oranges, and yellows in males
- Females are smaller and duller in color (gray or brown)
- Tiny in size, usually 3–5 mm
- Large forward-facing eyes typical of jumping spiders
Habitat
Peacock Spiders are found in Australian scrublands, open woodlands, and grasslands. They prefer dry, sunlit areas with scattered vegetation. Males are most often spotted during the mating season as they perform on flat, open surfaces like fallen leaves or low branches.
Behavior
Males are known for their extraordinary courtship display. They raise their colorful abdominal flap, wave their third pair of legs, and dance rhythmically to attract females. Their behavior is not just visual but also involves vibrations through the ground. They are harmless and timid, quickly retreating if disturbed.
Diet
- Tiny flies and gnats
- Aphids and springtails
- Small leafhoppers and other soft-bodied insects
