Jumping Spiders

Salticidae

Bold jumper

Bold jumper (Kaldari, Wikimedia Commons)

Jumping spider

Jumping spider (David Cappaert, Bugwood.org)

Jumping spider

Jumping spider (Karan A Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)

Identification

  • smaller spiders
  • eye pattern gives appearance of two small eyes and large nostrils
  • active during the day
  • very agile and erratic movement
  • the most common jumping spider in Utah, the bold jumper, has a black body with green chelicera and a white dot on the back of the abdomen; the color of the dot may vary (most frequently red)

Nesting Habits

  • often found on walls (indoors and outdoors) or ceilings
  • make silk retreats in which the female will lay eggs

Diet

  • insects and spiders

Significance

  • could be a nuisance pest indoors
  • not known to be a health hazard
  • beneficial

IPM Recommendations

  • Minimize nesting habitat around property.
  • Seal exterior cracks and crevices.
  • Install tight-fitting door sweeps at the base of all exterior doors.
  • Install tight-fitting screens in windows.
  • Keep windows closed.
  • Vacuum individuals that enter buildings.
  • Catch and release (with a glass jar) spiders found indoors.
  • Change exterior lighting to sodium vapor bulbs.

Additional Resources:

IPM for Spiders: Integrated Pest Management in Sensitive Environments (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension)