Salticus scenicus (Zebra Jumper)

Summary

The "Zebra Jumping Spider," Salticus scenicus, is a small, common spider thought to be native to Europe, but now established in the U.S., southern Canada, and Asia. Jumping spiders do not spin webs to catch prey, but use their keen eyesight to stalk and pounce. The spider lays down a “dragline” to secure itself should it fall. This species is most common around urban and suburban areas where it hunts by day on fences, rock walls, the exterior of buildings, and similar situations. Males are darker than females, and have greatly elongated jaws. Mating typically happens in late spring or early summer. The female constructs a tangled retreat in a crevice or under a rock and lays her eggs inside a loosely woven, dirty white sac. The sac usually contains 15-25 eggs. The mother spider stands guard over the eggs as long as she can. The spiderlings emerge 3 to 4 weeks later and disperse. Mature specimens may be found from early spring through late autumn; sub-adults overwinter.