Jumping spiders, members of the family Salticidae, are among the most charismatic and widely distributed arachnids in the world. They are known for their inquisitive nature and exceptional eyesight. Unlike many other spiders, they do not rely on webs to capture prey and are generally non-aggressive toward humans. Finding these small, active hunters in their natural environment can be a rewarding pursuit. This guide provides practical steps to help you successfully locate and observe these unique arthropods.
Key Features for Identification
The most distinguishing feature of a jumping spider is its unique eye arrangement, featuring four pairs of eyes. The two largest, forward-facing eyes (posterior median eyes, or PMEs) provide exceptional stereoscopic vision and an almost mammalian appearance. These large lenses allow them to calculate distances precisely before leaping onto their prey or across gaps.
Their bodies are typically compact, robust, and often densely covered in fine hairs or colorful scales, which contribute to their camouflage and display patterns. While many species are small and drab, others, like the Phidippus genus, showcase vibrant colors and striking iridescent markings. This stocky build contrasts sharply with the long, thin legs of common web-building spiders.
Jumping spiders are hunters that stalk their prey, a behavior reflected in their characteristic movement. They move in an abrupt, stop-and-start manner, often changing direction quickly as they navigate surfaces. Observing this distinctive, jerky gait is often the first clue that you have found a member of the Salticidae family.
Prime Locations and Habitats
Jumping spiders are commonly found in microhabitats that offer both sun exposure and abundant prey access. Searching vertical structures is often highly productive, particularly on wooden fences, brick walls, and the siding of homes. These surfaces radiate heat, which helps regulate the spider’s body temperature, making them more active during warmer daylight hours.
In natural settings, focus on areas with dense ground cover, such as leaf litter and under small, flat rocks or pieces of loose bark. These locations provide sheltered hunting grounds and materials for constructing their small, silken retreats for molting or resting. Look especially near the edges of garden beds where insect activity is high.
Garden plants with large, broad leaves, such as squash or hostas, are favored spots. They often perch on the upper surface of a leaf, utilizing the wide expanse as a hunting platform. The undersides of leaves also provide a secure anchor point for their safety dragline before a jump.
Indoors, these spiders often gravitate toward sources of light and warmth, which attract their insect food. Window sills and the frames of external doors are common spots, as they intercept insects moving between environments. They may also be found high in the corners of ceilings where they establish a small, temporary resting sac.
Methods for Successful Searching
Patience and a deliberate, slow pace are the most successful searching techniques when looking for jumping spiders. Fast movements or casting large shadows will often cause them to immediately drop on their silk tether or retreat into a nearby crack. Move your eyes slowly across a surface, scanning small sections at a time, rather than sweeping your gaze over a large area.
The best time of day to search is typically mid-morning to early afternoon, especially when temperatures are comfortably warm, ideally between 70°F and 85°F. This is when the sun’s warmth has maximized their activity levels, making them more likely to be out hunting rather than resting in their retreats. They are generally less active during the cooler parts of the morning or late evening.
A small, focused flashlight or headlamp can be a useful tool, even during the day, to check darker crevices or the undersides of objects. Although they do not have the tapetum lucidum common in nocturnal spiders, a light can sometimes catch the reflection of their large eyes, or illuminate the fine silk threads of their safety lines.
Examine potential hiding spots by using a thin, flexible stick or a soft-bristled brush to gently probe under loose bark or within small gaps. A light disturbance may cause the spider to briefly emerge, allowing for a quick identification. Always return the displaced material exactly as you found it to minimize environmental impact.
Keep an eye out for their characteristic silken retreats. These are small, dense, flattened sacs of silk, often tucked into sheltered corners or under leaves. These retreats are used for sleeping, molting, and egg-laying, and their presence indicates a spider is residing nearby.
Safe Observation and Interaction
Once a jumping spider is located, the best practice is to observe it without causing unnecessary stress or disturbance. Use the digital zoom function on your phone camera or a dedicated macro lens to get a close look at their features and behavior from a respectful distance. Their curiosity often means they will turn to face you, providing an excellent viewing opportunity.
If you wish to interact, remember that these spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite unless severely squeezed or trapped. The safest way to encourage contact is to place your hand near the spider and allow it to walk onto you voluntarily. Never attempt to grab or force the spider, as this can easily injure its delicate legs or body.
For temporary, closer observation, gently guide the spider into a clear container, ensuring it has small air holes for ventilation. This allows for detailed photography or study before releasing it back exactly where it was found within a short period. Handling these creatures responsibly ensures their welfare and a positive experience for the observer.