Home / Jumping Spiders / Emerald Jumping Spider (Paraphidippus aurantius)

Emerald Jumping Spider (Paraphidippus aurantius)

Discover the emerald jumping spider, also known as Paraphidippus aurantius. Found everywhere from the United States to Panama and even the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, these spiders stand out due to their size, being notably larger than many other jumping spiders.

Scientific Classification

Paraphidippus Aurantius

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females measure 0.12 inches (0.31 cm) in length, while males are comparatively smaller.
  • Color: The body is black, with white stripes on both sides of its head. The top of their abdomen has a white border, with a hairy line running through the center, alongside white spots and lines on each side. They even have some iridescent scales that give the impression of different colors, depending on the observer’s vision.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The pair of eyes in front of their face is big and round.

Eggs

The small, round eggs remain safely protected in the sac.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings look like miniature adults and get on their own in a few days after hatching.

The Web

Since they are jumping spiders, they are believed to be hunting down their prey instead of capturing it in a web.

Emerald Jumping Spider Image

Are Emerald Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, emerald jumping spiders are venomous, but their venom isn’t harmful to humans.

Can Emerald Jumping Spiders Bite?

While they can bite, it’s rare for emerald jumping spiders to do so. If they bite, it’s usually out of self-defense and isn’t dangerous to people.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Emerald Jumping Spider

The emerald jumping spider plays a critical role in controlling insect populations. Their behavior includes active hunting during daylight, relying on their exceptional vision to stalk and leap onto unsuspecting prey. These solitary predators are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance in their habitats.

Natural Predators: Despite their agility, emerald jumping spiders fall prey to various birds, larger spiders, and lizards. Their striking coloration can sometimes attract unwanted attention from these predators, but it also serves as a warning of their agility and potential to bite.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Armed with potent venom, these spiders expertly capture and consume a variety of insects, which helps keep pest populations in check. They are crucial in the regulation of ecosystems and the suppression of species that might otherwise become overabundant.

Relationship with Humans: Emerald jumping spiders are often viewed positively by humans due to their pest control services. Rarely biting unless provoked, they pose little threat to people and are fascinating to observe due to their distinctive hunting techniques and vivid appearance.

Emerald Jumping Spider Female

Quick Facts

Other NamesEmerald Jumping Spider
Lifespan1 year
DistributionGreater Antilles, USA, and Panama
HabitatForests
DietInsects

Did You Know

  • You will never see this spider hunting in a group, as they are solitary creatures.

Paraphidippus Aurantius Image

In summary, the emerald jumping spider is a beneficial arachnid that contributes significantly to its environment.

Discover the emerald jumping spider, also known as Paraphidippus aurantius. Found everywhere from the United States to Panama and even the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, these spiders stand out due to their size, being notably larger than many other jumping spiders.

Paraphidippus Aurantius

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females measure 0.12 inches (0.31 cm) in length, while males are comparatively smaller.
  • Color: The body is black, with white stripes on both sides of its head. The top of their abdomen has a white border, with a hairy line running through the center, alongside white spots and lines on each side. They even have some iridescent scales that give the impression of different colors, depending on the observer’s vision.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The pair of eyes in front of their face is big and round.

Eggs

The small, round eggs remain safely protected in the sac.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings look like miniature adults and get on their own in a few days after hatching.

The Web

Since they are jumping spiders, they are believed to be hunting down their prey instead of capturing it in a web.

Emerald Jumping Spider Image

Are Emerald Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, emerald jumping spiders are venomous, but their venom isn’t harmful to humans.

Can Emerald Jumping Spiders Bite?

While they can bite, it’s rare for emerald jumping spiders to do so. If they bite, it’s usually out of self-defense and isn’t dangerous to people.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Emerald Jumping Spider

The emerald jumping spider plays a critical role in controlling insect populations. Their behavior includes active hunting during daylight, relying on their exceptional vision to stalk and leap onto unsuspecting prey. These solitary predators are crucial for maintaining a healthy balance in their habitats.

Natural Predators: Despite their agility, emerald jumping spiders fall prey to various birds, larger spiders, and lizards. Their striking coloration can sometimes attract unwanted attention from these predators, but it also serves as a warning of their agility and potential to bite.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Armed with potent venom, these spiders expertly capture and consume a variety of insects, which helps keep pest populations in check. They are crucial in the regulation of ecosystems and the suppression of species that might otherwise become overabundant.

Relationship with Humans: Emerald jumping spiders are often viewed positively by humans due to their pest control services. Rarely biting unless provoked, they pose little threat to people and are fascinating to observe due to their distinctive hunting techniques and vivid appearance.

Emerald Jumping Spider Female

Quick Facts

Other NamesEmerald Jumping Spider
Lifespan1 year
DistributionGreater Antilles, USA, and Panama
HabitatForests
DietInsects

Did You Know

  • You will never see this spider hunting in a group, as they are solitary creatures.

Paraphidippus Aurantius Image

In summary, the emerald jumping spider is a beneficial arachnid that contributes significantly to its environment.