# Jumping Spider — Spider Squad

## Common Name
Jumping spider

## Scientific Family
Salticidae (many species — common Ontario species include Phidippus audax, Eris militaris, Platycryptus undatus)

## Size
Compact. Body: 4 to 18 mm depending on species. Most Ontario home species are 5 to 12 mm.

## Appearance
Stocky, compact body with short thick legs. Very large front-facing eyes (the two primary eyes in the centre are prominent and give them an expressive appearance). Often described as "cute" by people who normally dislike spiders. Many Ontario species have iridescent chelicerae (mouthparts) that appear green or blue in certain light.

Colour varies by species: some are black with white spots or orange markings (Phidippus audax), others are brown or grey with patterning that blends into bark and stone.

## Behaviour
Jumping spiders are active, diurnal (daytime) hunters with excellent vision — among the best of any spider, and comparable to many vertebrates relative to body size. They don't build capture webs. They stalk and pounce on prey, using their ability to jump up to 50 times their body length.

They are curious and alert — they will turn to watch a human moving near them. This alertness is part of why they're often considered less threatening than other spiders by people who notice them.

## Where Found
- Sunny exterior walls, window frames, and fences
- Near exterior lights (hunting moths and insects)
- South-facing walls in particular (they like warm surfaces)
- Inside near windows — they follow insects attracted by light
- Gardens, shrubs, and wooden structures outdoors

Unlike most spiders, jumping spiders are active during the day and visible in open, sunny locations rather than hiding in dark corners.

## Seasonal Pattern
Most active spring through early fall. They shelter in tight silk retreats during cold weather but are not well-equipped to overwinter indoors as effectively as house spiders.

## Danger Level
Not dangerous. They can bite if grabbed, but bites are rare, mild, and extremely unlikely to cause anything more than temporary redness.

## Why They End Up Indoors
They follow insects through windows and doors that are open. They're attracted to the sunny, warm environment near windows. Once inside, they're often visible on windowsills, curtains, or near light sources.

## Professional Treatment
Jumping spiders respond to the perimeter treatment like any other spider — bifenthrin contact on treated surfaces causes rapid knockdown. Since they're often found near exterior windows and south-facing walls, these zones get specific attention during treatment.