By the ExoPetGuides Team | Jumping Spider Species
Phidippus audax, commonly called the bold jumping spider or daring jumping spider, is one of the most widely kept jumping spider species in North America. Adults reach 8-19 mm in body length (source: Animal Diversity Web), with females typically larger than males. Bold jumpers are recognized instantly by their iridescent green or blue chelicerae and the prominent white triangular marking on their abdomen (source: Penn State Extension). With a curious temperament and straightforward care requirements, P. audax is an excellent species for both first-time and experienced keepers.
Species Overview
Bold jumping spiders are native to North America, ranging from southeastern Canada west to British Columbia and south to Florida, the Gulf Coast, and northern Mexico (source: Animal Diversity Web). In the wild, they inhabit grasslands, open woodlands, agricultural fields, and suburban gardens. They are active daytime hunters that rely on exceptional vision rather than webs to locate and ambush prey.
In captivity, P. audax typically lives 1-3 years, with females generally outliving males (source: Bantam Earth). Males mature faster and have shorter post-maturity lifespans, which is common across the Phidippus genus.
How to Identify Phidippus Audax
Bold jumpers are often confused with the regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius), but several features set them apart:
Chelicerae colour. P. audax has iridescent chelicerae that shimmer green, blue, or occasionally purple under light. P. regius chelicerae are typically less iridescent and more uniformly coloured (source: BugGuide).
Abdominal markings. The bold jumper has a distinctive large white or orange triangular spot in the centre of the abdomen, usually with two smaller white spots below it. Regal jumpers have more variable patterning depending on morph.
Size. P. audax adults are generally smaller than P. regius adults. Bold jumper females top out around 15-19 mm, while regal jumper females can reach 22 mm.
Body shape. Bold jumpers tend to have a more compact, robust body shape compared to the slightly more elongated regal jumper.
For a broader comparison across common pet species, see our jumping spider identification guide.
Enclosure Setup
Bold jumping spiders are arboreal and need enclosures that are taller than they are wide. A front-opening acrylic or glass terrarium measuring at least 4x4x7 inches works well for a single adult (source: Por Amor Art).
Ventilation. Cross-ventilation is essential. Choose an enclosure with mesh or vent openings on at least two sides to prevent stagnant air, which promotes mould growth and respiratory stress.
Substrate. A thin layer of coconut fibre or sphagnum moss on the bottom retains some humidity and makes spot-cleaning straightforward.
Climbing structures. Add small branches, cork bark pieces, and artificial plants. Bold jumpers spend most of their time above ground level and will build silk retreats (hammock-style webs) on upper surfaces.
Hides. While they will construct their own silk retreats, providing a small cork tube or piece of curved bark near the top of the enclosure gives them a pre-made hiding option.
For a complete walkthrough including substrate options and decoration, see our jumping spider enclosure setup guide.
Temperature and Humidity
Bold jumpers thrive at temperatures between 70-85 F (21-29 C) (source: Bantam Earth). Normal room temperature in most homes is perfectly adequate. If your home drops below 68 F consistently, a small heat mat placed behind (not under) the enclosure and connected to a thermostat can provide supplemental warmth.
Humidity should sit around 50-60% ambient, with light misting on one side of the enclosure every 2-3 days. The misting serves a dual purpose: maintaining humidity and providing drinking droplets. Avoid saturating the enclosure. These are not tropical spiders, and excessive moisture causes mould and bacterial problems.
For detailed monitoring advice and seasonal adjustments, see our temperature and humidity guide.
Diet and Feeding
P. audax are enthusiastic hunters that readily accept a variety of prey items:
- Slings (spiderlings): Flightless fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster or D. hydei depending on sling size), fed every 1-2 days
- Juveniles: Small crickets, larger fruit flies, or small waxworms, fed every 2-3 days
- Adults: Crickets, green bottle flies, mealworms, waxworms, and small roaches, fed every 3-5 days
Prey should be no larger than the spider’s abdomen. Oversized prey stresses the spider and creates injury risk. Remove uneaten prey within a few hours to prevent it from disturbing or injuring the spider overnight.
Bold jumpers are active, visually-driven hunters. Dropping live prey into the enclosure during daytime hours lets them engage in natural stalking behaviour, which is both enriching and entertaining to watch.
For a complete feeder breakdown and gut-loading advice, see our jumping spider diet guide.
Handling
P. audax are generally tolerant of handling once they have settled into their enclosure. Their curious nature means they will often walk onto an offered hand voluntarily rather than fleeing.
Taming timeline. Most bold jumpers begin accepting handling within 1-2 weeks of acclimation, though individual temperament varies.
Technique. Place your hand flat inside or near the enclosure opening and let the spider approach at its own pace. Avoid grabbing, poking, or cornering the spider.
Safety. Always handle over a soft surface (a bed or cushion) in case the spider jumps. A fall from hand height onto a hard floor can be fatal for a small spider.
When not to handle. Avoid handling during pre-moult (the spider will appear duller and may refuse food), immediately after moulting (the new exoskeleton needs time to harden), or during the first few days after bringing a new spider home.
Moulting
Bold jumping spiders moult regularly as they grow. Slings moult approximately every 2-3 weeks; adults moult less frequently, typically every 4-8 weeks.
Pre-moult signs include loss of appetite, reduced activity, and a duller appearance. The spider will usually seal itself inside its silk retreat before moulting. Do not disturb the retreat during this period.
After the moult, wait 3-5 days before offering food. The new exoskeleton needs time to harden, and the spider’s fangs are too soft to handle prey immediately after moulting.
Common Health Concerns
Dehydration. A shrivelled or wrinkled abdomen indicates dehydration. Increase misting frequency and place a small water droplet directly near the spider.
Moulting difficulties (dysecdysis). Stuck moults are often caused by low humidity. Maintaining 60-70% humidity during pre-moult helps. Never attempt to pull retained exoskeleton off the spider.
Mites. Small white or brown dots moving on the spider or enclosure surfaces may be parasitic mites. Quarantine the spider, replace all substrate, and clean the enclosure thoroughly.
Lethargy. If the spider is inactive outside of pre-moult periods, check temperature and humidity. Persistent lethargy may indicate infection or internal parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do bold jumping spiders live?
Bold jumping spiders live 1-3 years in captivity. Females tend to live longer than males, which typically have shorter lifespans after reaching maturity.
Are bold jumping spiders aggressive?
No. P. audax earned the name “bold” from their confident, curious behaviour around humans, not from aggression. They rarely bite, and when they do, the bite is comparable to a mild bee sting with no medically significant venom.
Can I keep multiple bold jumping spiders together?
No. Jumping spiders are solitary and territorial. Housing them together creates stress and a high likelihood of cannibalism. Each spider needs its own enclosure.
How is P. audax different from P. regius?
The main visible differences are chelicerae colour (iridescent green/blue in audax vs less iridescent in regius), abdominal markings (triangular white spot in audax vs variable patterning in regius), and size (audax is generally smaller). Care requirements are very similar. For a detailed comparison, see our species guide.
Do bold jumping spiders need UVB lighting?
No. Bold jumpers do well with ambient room lighting or a low-wattage LED on a 12-hour cycle. They are diurnal and need a clear day/night cycle, but UVB is not required.
For an overview of all recommended pet species, see our best jumping spider species guide. For complete husbandry fundamentals, see our jumping spider care guide.
ExoPetGuides provides general care information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Consult a qualified exotic animal veterinarian for health, medical, or welfare concerns specific to your spider.