There are many varieties of jumping spider found throughout the world, as many as 4,000 – 5,000. In North America, there are approximately 300 species.
There are a few types that are found more often than others. One of these is the daring jumping spider. It is also called the bold jumping spider or the bold jumper. The daring jumping spider is fairly small in size, usually about one-half inch in body length. These spiders pursue their prey and then pounce upon it.
Many of these spiders are black with red or white markings on their abdomens. Some have metallic green chelicerae.
Another type of jumping spider that is encountered frequently is the zebra jumping spider. Like a zebra, it bears black and white stripes on its abdomen.
Jumping spiders hunt around homes and in yards or near outbuildings. They don't use webs to catch prey, but will wait for it to pass by or will even follow it before attacking. Indoors, these spiders are often seen near doors or windows where they can locate prey.
In addition to their ability to leap, jumping spiders have excellent eyesight, the ability to move quickly backward or sideways, and are very agile.
Jumping spiders are usually stocky and seem more compact than other types of spiders. They are stout and hairy with legs that are short in comparison to their bodies. They have eight eyes arranged in three rows. The front row has four eyes, with the middle two being quite large.
These spiders are predominantly found outdoors and prefer sunshine, but sometimes make their way indoors as well. They are more often seen on the ground than in higher areas.