Phidippus audax

(Hentz, 1845)

bold jumping spider, daring jumping spider, bold jumper

Phidippus audax is a common North American jumping spider recognized by its iridescent green and distinctive abdominal patterning. range from 6–15 mm in body length, with females larger than males. The is active during daylight hours, using exceptional stereoscopic vision to stalk and pounce on prey rather than building capture webs. It has been introduced to Hawaii, the Nicobar Islands, the Azores, and the Netherlands.

Phidippus audax P1410023a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Phidippus audax male by Opoterser. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Phidippus audax P1390919a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phidippus audax: /ˈfaɪdɪpəs ˈɔːdæks/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The combination of a large triangular white spot on the with two smaller spots below, iridescent green , and white-banded legs distinguishes Phidippus audax from most other jumping spiders. It closely resembles Phidippus regius in the southeastern United States, but P. audax has more linear light spots and matte black abdominal patches absent in P. regius. The abdominal spots of P. regius are typically more oval.

Images

Appearance

females measure 8–15 mm in body length; adult males are smaller at 6–13 mm. The bears a large, typically triangular white spot centrally, with two smaller white spots below it. Spiderlings display orange markings that turn white with maturity. The are iridescent green. Males possess more striking coloration than females, with tufts of hair over the and more prominent white banding on legs and . In females, the fourth pair of legs is longest; in males, the first pair is longest. The legs and pedipalps have white banding with fringes more prominent in males. Pairs of matte black patches are present on the abdomen.

Habitat

Found in temperate climates across diverse terrestrial including grasslands, chaparrals, open woodlands, and agricultural fields. Frequently occurs in human-modified environments such as gardens, homes, barns, and garages. Constructs sac-like silk retreats in concealed locations on vegetation, under stones, or beneath bark. In the southern part of its range, occurs in grassy areas near water.

Distribution

Native to North America, widespread throughout the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. Introduced to Hawaii, Nicobar Islands (India), Azores (Portugal), and Netherlands. In Canada, documented from Quebec, Ontario, and other provinces.

Seasonality

Active year-round in warmer regions; in northern portions of range, overwinters as immatures in silk shelters under rocks and bark, entering during cold periods. Emerges in spring to complete final . Typically mates in late spring and early summer, with most laid in June and July. In warmer regions, is extended or continuous.

Diet

Solitary that actively hunts live prey using specialized eyesight. Preys on diverse insects and non-insect terrestrial arthropods including caterpillars, , grasshoppers, and other spiders. In agricultural settings, consumes crop pests: bollworms, , , sorghum , fall webworms, cotton leaf worms, cotton fleahoppers, , stink bugs, lotus , three-cornered alfalfa hoppers, and leafhoppers. Scavenging has been observed but is less common than on live prey.

Life Cycle

Spiderlings hatch approximately 10 days after oviposition, complete first within sac, and emerge as second instars after 10–14 additional days. occurs through ballooning. Undergoes 6–7 additional molts, each occurring within a molting web except the first. Females typically require one more instar than males and reach maturity a few weeks later. Average time from oviposition to sexual maturity is approximately 9 months. Lifespan slightly over one year in laboratory conditions, with females living several months longer than males. Females produce up to 6 egg clutches per reproductive event, with 30–170 eggs per clutch.

Behavior

hunter that relies on vision; does not build prey-capture webs but constructs silk retreats for shelter, molting, and -laying. Uses silk draglines when jumping to prevent falls. Stalks prey by orienting toward target, approaching slowly, then pouncing with legs raised while grasping prey with forelegs and immobilizing with venom. Adjusts attack strategy based on prey type: attacks loopers from the front to avoid being struck, but attacks flies from behind to prevent escape. Has been observed invading webs of other spiders to steal prey or attack the resident spider. Constructs silk retreats at night for avoidance. Freezes in response to sounds of wingbeats detected through on legs. Exhibits observational learning and behavioral flexibility uncommon in spiders. Males perform visual involving raised front legs, foreleg flicking, shaking, and lateral zigzag movement.

Ecological Role

Significant of agricultural crop pests, with studies documenting consumption of bollworms, , cucumber beetles, and other economically important insects. Estimated to consume approximately 3.3% of available prey over two-week periods in late-season cotton , with potential to remove ca. 10% of tarnished plant bug every 1–2 weeks. Also preys on beneficial insects including . Serves as prey for spider wasps, thread-waisted wasps, lizards, , birds, and other spider .

Human Relevance

Designated the state spider of New Hampshire in 2021. Frequently encountered in human dwellings and gardens due to tendencies. Bites are rare and occur only if the spider is threatened or mishandled; bites are mildly painful with localized redness, itching, and swelling for 1–2 days, not considered medically significant. Popular subject for macrophotography due to approachable and distinctive appearance. Studied for potential of crop pests.

Similar Taxa

Phidippus regiusOverlaps in southeastern United States; distinguished by more oval (vs. linear) abdominal spots and absence of matte black abdominal patches present in P. audax.