Spiders often evoke apprehension, leading to concerns about their potential danger. Brown jumping spiders frequently prompt questions regarding their nature and whether they pose a threat to humans. This article provides accurate information about these common spiders.
Identifying Brown Jumping Spiders
Brown jumping spiders, such as the bold jumper (Phidippus audax), are recognizable by several distinct features. They are generally small, with adult females 8 to 15 mm and males 6 to 13 mm in body length. These spiders have a compact, robust, and often hairy body, appearing in shades of black, brown, tan, or gray, sometimes with pale or colorful markings. Phidippus audax often has a large, triangular white spot on its abdomen.
Jumping spiders have large, forward-facing eyes, providing them with excellent vision. This eyesight aids their unique method of locomotion: they do not spin webs to catch prey but actively stalk and pounce on insects. Their powerful legs enable them to jump significant distances, often many times their own body length, which is a key identifying behavior. Brown jumping spiders are active during the day and found in various habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and inside homes.
Understanding Their Venom and Bites
Brown jumping spiders are venomous, producing venom to subdue prey, but are not poisonous to humans. Poisonous refers to substances that cause harm when ingested, while venomous refers to substances injected through a bite or sting. While their fangs can penetrate human skin, their venom is not medically significant for most people.
A bite from a brown jumping spider is rare, typically occurring only if the spider feels threatened or is accidentally squashed. The sensation is often described as a mild pinprick, generally less painful than a bee sting. Common symptoms are mild and localized, including slight redness, itching, and minor swelling at the bite site, which usually resolve within one to two days. Severe reactions are uncommon, limited to individuals with an allergic response to the venom, potentially causing dizziness, nausea, or widespread skin reactions. If a bite occurs, cleaning the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress can help manage symptoms.
Living Alongside Jumping Spiders
Brown jumping spiders are generally not aggressive towards humans and tend to flee or jump away when disturbed. Their primary goal is to hunt for food, using their keen eyesight and jumping ability to catch small insects like flies and mosquitoes. These spiders do not build large webs for catching prey, instead creating small silken retreats for resting, molting, or laying eggs.
If a brown jumping spider is found indoors, it can be safely relocated. Gently coaxing the spider onto a piece of paper or into a cup allows for its release outdoors. These spiders play a beneficial role in ecosystems by preying on various small insects, helping to control pest populations. Understanding their non-threatening nature and their contributions to insect control can help alleviate concerns about their presence in and around homes.