Regal Jumping Spider: Tiny, Harmless, Maybe Even Cute
The regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) is a fuzzy spider that's named for its incredible jumping ability and vivid colors. They have four forward-facing eyes, giving them better vision than other spiders.
Found primarily in eastern North America, the regal jumping spider can be found bounding between leaves or resting in its silken nests. Because they're commonly seen in Florida, some even call it the Florida regal jumping spider.
How to Identify the Regal Jumping Spider
Regal jumping spiders are small but striking arachnids. Adult males are about 0.47 inches (12 mm) long on average, while adult males are on average 0.59 inches (15 mm) long.
They have distinct color patterns. Adult males are typically black with iridescent green-blue-violet chelicerae (mouthparts) and a white fringe along their abdomens. They often display alternating black and white markings, making them easy to spot.
Adult females and juvenile females are more variable, with pale brown, reddish brown markings or even orange-white markings. Females also have two posterior oval spots and a central triangular spot on their abdomen.
In southern populations, these spiders often show brighter colors, while those in cooler areas may have more subdued tones.
Females tend to have larger bodies that are largely covered with soft, pale hairs, adding to their fuzzy appearance. The vivid coloration of their iridescent green chelicerae is a shared feature that sets this species apart from other spiders.
Are Regal Jumping Spiders Dangerous?
Regal jumping spiders are not dangerous to humans. These spiders rarely bite, and even when they do, their venom is harmless. The bite may cause mild irritation, but it poses no serious threat to human health.
These spiders are more interested in small-winged insects than people. They are curious and often watch humans with their large, forward-facing eyes, but this behavior is more about assessing their environment than aggression.
Where Are Regal Jumping Spiders Commonly Found?
Regal jumping spiders thrive in a variety of habitats across eastern North America. They are particularly common in light woodland areas, gardens and fields. You might find them hiding among palm fronds or exploring wooden structures like fences and sheds.
These spiders create silken nests in hidden crevices, under bark or within leaves. While they don't use webs to catch prey, they spin nests for resting, molting and laying eggs. Species lay eggs in these protective silk chambers, where juvenile females and males hatch and begin their life cycle.
What Attracts and Deters Regal Jumping Spiders?
Regal jumping spiders are attracted to areas with abundant hunting grounds, such as gardens and fields full of small-winged insects. Wooden structures like fences and porches can also serve as prime real estate for their silken nests.
To deter these spiders, reduce clutter and seal cracks in your home where they might build nests. However, keep in mind that these spiders are natural pest controllers and pose no harm. They're more likely to help you out by keeping insect populations in check.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: Regal Jumping Spider: Tiny, Harmless, Maybe Even Cute
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