Bold Jumping Spider, Daring Jumping Spider, Orchard Jumper
Phidippus audax
Family Salticidae (Jumping Spiders), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A robust and compact spider with a distinctively hairy cephalothorax and abdomen. It has a flat-topped head and large, forward-facing eyes. The body is relatively thick and powerful, designed for leaping rather than web-weaving.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 13 to 20 mm for females, while males are smaller (around 6-12 mm). Based on the photo, this appears to be a submount or adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly black or dark brown body with three prominent spots on the abdomen (often white, but can be orange or yellow in juveniles). They are famous for iridescent metallic green or blue chelicerae (mouthparts).
Web Type
They do not build hunting webs. Instead, they construct 'thick silk retreats' or hammocks for molting, sleeping, and protecting egg sacs, often found under stones or bark as described.
Eye Arrangement
Four pairs of eyes with a very distinctive arrangement: two massive Anterior Median eyes in the center (providing excellent vision), flanked by two smaller eyes, with the remaining pairs on the top and sides of the head.
Leg Characteristics
Thick, hairy legs that are relatively proportional to the body. The front pair of legs is used for grasping prey and during courtship displays. They lack long, delicate orb-weaver legs.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a mix of proteins and neurotoxins designed to immobilize small insects. It is not considered toxic to humans. Comparison: Much less potent than a bee sting for most people.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite might cause minor localized redness or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, but they rarely bite unless squeezed or pinned. No specific medical treatment is usually required.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety precautions are needed. If found indoors, they can be easily relocated using a cup and a piece of paper. They are excellent backyard guests.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common throughout North America (Canada to Mexico). They are frequently found in gardens, open woodlands, fields, and around man-made structures where vertical surfaces and sunlight are plentiful.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal active hunters with high intelligence and curiosity. They track prey visually and leap many times their body length to tackle it. They are generally shy and will retreat from humans but may show curiosity.
Diet & Prey
Generalized predators of insects like flies, crickets, and caterpillars. They are also known to eat other spiders. They hunt by stalking prey like a cat and pouncing.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are most visible from late spring through autumn. They often overwinter in their silk retreats under bark or stones.
Description
The Bold Jumper is one of the most charismatic spiders in North America. Known for its 'fuzzy' appearance and brilliant green fangs, it acts more like a tiny mammal than a typical spider, often tilting its head to look at people.
Key Features
Three white spots on the dorsal abdomen and iridescent green chelicerae are the primary diagnostic traits for this species.
Similar Species
Phidippus regius (Regal Jumper) is very similar but found primarily in the SE USA. It can also be confused with various wolf spiders due to hairiness, but eye size distinguishes them.
Life Cycle
Females lay egg sacs inside silk retreats. Spiderlings emerge and may disperse via ballooning. They undergo several molts to reach maturity. Adults typically live for about one year.
Ecological Importance
Vital for natural pest control. They predate on agricultural pests like boll weevils and cucumber beetles, helping to maintain balance in backyard ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated (stable). They are common and resilient to urban development.
Interesting Facts
They have vision as sharp as some birds, allowing them to track movement from several inches away. They are popular in the 'pet spider' hobby because of their curious personalities.
Photography Tips
Focus on the large central eyes. Using a macro lens and diffused natural light will help capture the iridescent colors of the mouthparts and the fine hairs on the body.
User Notes
Found under a stone in a hammock like web
Identified: 2026-05-26T02:07:38.420158