Bold Jumping Spider

Looks how to spot one

Hairy body with distinct markings

This spider has a black, hairy body with a high, heavy cephalothorax. The abdomen features a pattern of white, yellow, or orange spots, often with a large triangular central spot and smaller ones nearby. The chelicerae (jaws) have an iridescent green sheen, and males have tufts of hairs over their eyes, sometimes called eyebrows.31

Personality what they are like

Bold jumping spiders are known for their confident and curious nature. They often track movement and may leap onto a hand voluntarily. They are shy around large animals and will retreat if approached too quickly, but once acclimated, they are generally calm and rarely bite. Their inquisitive behaviour makes them seem to have personality.534

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These spiders are diurnal and hunt during daylight. They need an enclosure with vertical space and places to climb, such as cork bark and branches. They do not require a large area, but they benefit from a ceiling surface for building silk retreats.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming is needed. Keep the enclosure clean, remove uneaten live prey after feeding, and maintain proper humidity. Handling should be done gently and over a soft surface to prevent injury from falls.24

Home where they are happiest

A vertical enclosure of at least 4 x 4 x 7 inches for an adult, with cross-ventilation on at least two sides. Temperature should be 70 to 82°F (21 to 28°C) with 50 to 60% ambient humidity. Provide cork bark, branches, and a broad ceiling surface for retreats. They are not venomous to humans in a dangerous way, but bites may cause minor pain and swelling.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed live invertebrates no larger than the spider's abdomen. Slings eat fruit flies every one to two days, juveniles eat larger flies or pinhead crickets every two to three days, and adults eat crickets, bottle flies, mealworms, or waxworms every three to five days. Gut-load feeders before offering.24

Company who they like around

Bold jumping spiders are solitary and hunt alone. They do not need companionship and should be housed individually. They are not aggressive toward humans and generally do not bite when handled, but they are shy and will retreat if approached too quickly.53

The story where it all began

The bold jumping spider was first described in the 19th century, with early confusion about its identity. It was initially named Salticus variegatus by Lucas in 1833, and later Attus audax by Hentz in 1845. These were eventually recognised as the same species, and the name Phidippus audax became accepted. In the pet trade, it has become popular due to its curious nature and ease of care, and it is widely available as a wild-collected species in the United States.52

Recognised by the official bits

Popularity Popular as a pet invertebrate, especially on social media, and widely available in the United States.24