Daring jumping spider

Description:

Phidippus audax is a common jumping spider of North America. It is commonly referred to as the daring jumping spider, or bold jumping spider. The average size of adults ranges from roughly 13 to 20 mm in length. These spiders are typically black with a pattern of spots and striped on their abdomen and legs. Often these spots are orange-tinted in juveniles, turning white as the spider matures. The daring jumping spider belongs to the genus Phidippus, a group of jumping spiders easily identified both by their relatively large size and their iridescent chelicerae. In the case of P. audax, these chelicerae are a bright, metallic green or blue. These spiders have been known to jump up to 50 times their own body length by suddenly increasing the blood pressure in the third or fourth pair of legs, and the male may jump away during mating if the female approaches too quickly. Like other jumping spiders, due to their large, forward-facing eyes, they have very good stereoscopic vision. This aids them when stalking prey, and allows some visual communication with others of their species, such as courting 'dances'. Like most jumping spiders, P. audax tends to prefer relatively open areas to hunt in, as they actively seek and stalk prey and do not build webs. They do use webbing when laying eggs or to hide. They also use spider silk as a 'lifeline' when jumping for prey or evading predators. They are common in fields and grasslands, but are frequently seen on fences, exterior walls, and gardens as well. Many jumping spiders seem to prefer flat vertical surfaces, likely due to the fact that it enables them to spot and chase down roaming insects with ease. This species is common in southeastern Canada, most of the United States and parts of northern Central America, and has been introduced to Hawaii and the Nicobar Islands. P. audax is the type species for the genus Phidippus. The species name is derived from the Latin word audax meaning "daring, audacious". The jumping spider is probably the most common biting spider in the United States, the main species being Phidippus audax. Bites from a jumping spider are usually painful, itchy and cause redness and significant swelling.

Habitat:

Semi rural.

Notes:

This little guy was spotted in our kitchen by one of the cats, rescued, photographed & evicted outdoors! It was about 10mm long with a pale orange spot on its abdomen so I'm assuming it is a sub-adult.