Photo: Kaldari, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kansas City Pest Identification
Phidippus audaxBeneficial / not treatedBold Jumping Spider Identification
The fuzzy black spider with white spots and green fangs that watches you from the deck railing. Curious, harmless, and one of the more useful predators around a Kansas City home.
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How to Identify It
Compact, black and hairy, with a white or orange spot pattern on the abdomen, iridescent green chelicerae, and two very large forward eyes. Moves in short hops and turns to look at you.
Size: Body 6–15 mm
Commonly Confused With
Occasionally reported as a small black widow. Jumping spiders are fuzzy and stocky with big eyes; widows are glossy and globular.
Why It Shows Up
They hunt in daylight on sunny surfaces and wander in through open doors and windows. They don't establish indoors.
Where Homeowners Find It
Deck rails, siding, window frames, fence posts, and garden plants in full sun.
Seasonal Activity in KC
April through October.
Risk Level
Effectively none. They rarely bite and the bite is minor. They eat flies, mosquitoes, and other pests.
What You Can Do Yourself
- • Escort it outside with a cup and a card. That's it.
Our Take
No treatment. We would rather have them on your property than not.
Common Questions
How do I tell a bold jumping spider from something that looks similar?
Occasionally reported as a small black widow. Jumping spiders are fuzzy and stocky with big eyes; widows are glossy and globular.
Do I need professional treatment for bold jumping spider?
We generally don't treat bold jumping spider. No treatment. We would rather have them on your property than not.