Zebra Jumper

Summary

Zebra jumpers are a non-native jumping spider that were introduced from Eurasia. Like other jumping spider species, these small, boldly patterned spiders do not have a medically significant bite and are considered beneficial to have around.

Classification

Common name: Zebra jumper, zebra spider

Scientific name: Salticus scenicus (Clerck, 1757)

Order: Araneae (spiders)

Family: Salticidae (jumping Spiders)

Description

Zebra jumpers are relatively small spiders. They are readily identifiable by the pattern that is similar in both sexes: The prosoma (cephalothorax) has a white lateral band with additional white hairs in the eye region. Iridescent scales may appear near the eyes. The opisthosoma (abdomen) has white or light-colored hairs arranged in opposing stripes with a band around the anterior end. The females are often lighter in color than the males (Figures. 1, 2). Males have very large, dark chelicerae that project forward. Females range from 4.3–6.4 mm (0.17–0.25 in) in length; males are 4–5.5 mm (0.16–0.22 in) in length.

Figure 1. Female zebra jumper. This individual has reddish hairs on the opisthosoma. Photograph by Kevin Pfeiffer via Bugguide, used under a CC BY-ND-NC 1.0 license.

Figure 2. Male zebra jumper. Note the large, dark chelicerae that project forward from the head (they are partially covered by the pedipalps, which are small, leg-like appendages males use during mating). Photograph by Lynette Elliott via Bugguide, used under a CC BY-ND-NC 1.0 license.

Distribution

Zebra jumpers are native to Europe and western Asia. The earliest record in North America may be a specimen that was collected in Illinois in 1933. They are now found throughout most of the United States and southern Canada, although they are apparently more common in the northeastern US and West Coast, with very few records from the Southeast and Plains states.

Life History and Behavior

This spider is frequently found under stones, in high grass, on bushes and fences, and both inside and on the exterior of buildings. A retreat is frequently spun between cracks and crevices of boards or similar locations. Mating occurs in late spring and eggs are deposited in June and July depending on environmental conditions.

Medical Importance

As with other jumping spiders, this species is not considered medically important.

Original article by Steve Jacobs. Revised by Michael Skvarla, 2023.