Jumping
Spiders
Order: Araneae
Family: Salticidae
Scientific Name: Various
Color: Usually black, sometimes grey, brown or
tan.
Legs: 8
Shape: Typical spider, robust, compact with relatively
short legs
Size: 1/8-3/4" long
Antennae: No
Flight: No
The common name comes from their jumping ability and habit which
they use to capture prey. They may jump 1" or more. They are
an occasional nuisance pest indoors. About 300 species are found
in the United States.
Habits
They are active during the day and are often found around windows,
ceilings, walls, and other areas exposed to sunlight. These spiders
move quickly in a jerky, irregular gait. They get their name from
their ability to leap on their prey, often jumping many times their
own body length. Like most spiders, jumping spiders have eight eyes,
of which the two middle eyes are particularly large. Jumping spiders
have the best vision of spiders, seeing objects up to 8 inches away.
They can move rapidly both sideways and backwards for short distances.
Habitat
Often found hunting around homes and barns and on fences, under
loose bark and leaves. Indoors, they can frequently be found hunting
around windows and doors because insects are often located there.
Also, their vision is best in sunlit areas.
Threats
This spider is large enough to bite, but its bite is not dangerous
except to people with severe allergies.
Control
Vacuuming is an excellent method of control. Remove and discard
vacuum cleaner bags to prevent reinfestation. To help reduce numbers
entering a structure, exclude by screening vents, caulking around
utility entrances and door/window frames. Pesticides application
is rarely warranted.
(Source: National Pest Management Association, et. al.)
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