Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are the largest family of spiders globally, with over 6,000 described species. These small arachnids are easily identified by their large, forward-facing principal eyes, which grant them the sharpest vision among all spiders. Unlike many other spiders, they are active, diurnal hunters that do not rely on webs for prey capture. Instead, they use their exceptional eyesight and agility to stalk and pounce on insects. This visual hunting style allows them to be widely distributed across the United States wherever appropriate micro-habitats and sunlight are available.
General Habitats and Living Spaces
Jumping spiders are found in micro-habitats that provide both sun exposure for hunting and nearby shelter. Because they rely heavily on their visual system to locate prey, they are primarily active during the day, especially when temperatures are higher and sunlight is abundant. This preference for light and warmth drives them toward exposed surfaces where they can easily spot movement.
They frequently inhabit vertical structures such as tree trunks, wooden fences, and building walls. They also thrive in dense, low-level vegetation like bushes, tall grasses, and leaf litter, which provides cover and a steady supply of prey. While they do not spin webs for catching food, they produce silk to create small, tent-like retreats. These retreats are used for resting at night, molting, laying eggs, or sheltering from inclement weather. They are often tucked into crevices, under loose bark, or in the corners of window sills and door frames.
North American Geographic Range
The Salticidae family is widely distributed and highly adaptable, with species found across all 50 states and throughout North America. Approximately 350 species are found north of Mexico. However, the diversity and density of populations vary significantly across the continent’s major climate zones, as their success is tied to warm, sunny environments.
In the Arid Southwest, including Arizona and New Mexico, jumping spider diversity is high. Species here have adapted to intense heat and low moisture environments, often specializing to live among rocks or low-lying desert vegetation. The Temperate East and Southeast, characterized by forests and high humidity, supports a massive population, with many species thriving in forest edges and suburban areas.
The Midwest and Great Plains host species adapted to open grasslands and pronounced seasonal temperature extremes. They are frequently found in agricultural fields and prairies, where they help regulate insect populations. Conversely, the Pacific Northwest and the Northern United States generally have fewer species. Their active seasons are shorter due to cooler temperatures, though species are still found in alpine tundra among rocks and in the boreal forest-tundra ecotone.
Notable Species in Different Climates
Specific, recognizable species are associated with particular US regions and climates. The Bold Jumper, Phidippus audax, is the most commonly encountered species and is widespread across the continental US and southern Canada. This black spider is identifiable by its iridescent green chelicerae and three white or orange spots on its abdomen. It is highly successful in generalist habitats, including grasslands, open woodlands, and urbanized areas.
The Regal Jumper, Phidippus regius, is one of the largest jumping spiders in North America. It exhibits a regional preference for the warmer climates of the Southeast, being most common in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. In contrast, the Zebra Jumper, Salticus scenicus, is more prevalent in the cooler, northern states. This small, striped spider is often found on man-made structures like window sills and walls in urban environments throughout the Northern US and southern Canada.