# Zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus) > A small, diurnal jumping spider with bold black-and-white stripes, common on sunny walls and window frames across the Holarctic. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/zebra-jumping-spider/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Salticus scenicus is not dangerous. Bites are extremely rare, and if one occurs it usually causes only minor, short-lived local redness or itching. No serious medical effects are known. For a bite, wash with soap and water and apply a cold compress; seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or an allergic reaction occurs. **Pets:** Generally harmless to cats and dogs; bites would be minor and unlikely because these spiders avoid large animals. Pets that eat spiders may experience brief stomach upset but serious effects are not expected. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Salticus scenicus - Also called: Zebra spider - Order: Araneae (Spiders) - Family: Salticidae (Jumping spiders) - Size: Males 4-6 mm, females 5-7 mm body length - Colours: Black, White, Metallic green (chelicerae, sometimes) - Habitat: Sunny vertical surfaces (stone, brick, wooden walls), fences, window frames, garden structures; also occasional inside buildings near windows - Range: Native and widespread across Europe; also common in North America and parts of Asia (Holarctic distribution) - Active: Diurnal and most active in warm months (spring to early autumn); hunts by day - Lifespan: Adults typically live several months; entire life cycle usually completes within a year - Effect on plants: Pest predator - Pest: no ## Overview Salticus scenicus is a compact, active jumping spider (family Salticidae) known for its distinctive black-and-white striped pattern and quick, jerky leaps. It is frequently seen on sunny vertical surfaces such as walls, fences and window frames where it hunts small insects by sight. It is widespread across Europe and North America and well adapted to human environments. These spiders rely on excellent vision and agile jumps to capture prey rather than webs. They are solitary and often show curious, deliberate movements when approached. Salticus scenicus is not aggressive toward humans and plays a useful role as a predator of nuisance insects. ## How to identify it Adults are small (about 5-7 mm long) with a flattened, compact body. The dorsal pattern is striking: a black body marked with bands and patches of white hairs, especially across the abdomen, giving a 'zebra' look. The anterior median eyes are large and forward-facing, giving a rounded, alert-looking face. Males have greatly enlarged, forward-projecting chelicerae (jaws). - Distinct black-and-white 'zebra' bands on the body and legs - Very large forward-facing central eyes compared with other spiders - Stout, compact body and noticeably jerky, leaping movement when hunting - Usually found on sunny vertical surfaces like walls and window frames ## Lookalikes - **Bark zebra spider** (Salticus cingulatus): A close relative usually found on tree trunks rather than walls, with more greyish-white hairs and less sharply defined stripes. - **Evarcha (typical small salticid)** (Evarcha arcuata): Also small and on walls, but lacks the bold zebra stripes and often shows different dorsal markings and body shape. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Females lay eggs in a silk sac, often hidden in a crevice or under bark; the sac is guarded by the female. - **Spiderling (juvenile):** Spiderlings hatch resembling small adults and go through several moults (instars) while growing; juveniles are active hunters. - **Adult:** After final moult the spider reaches sexual maturity; adults hunt by sight and court via visual displays. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Small flying and crawling insects and other tiny arthropods - Adults eat: Small flies, aphids, springtails and other small insects captured by stalking and leaping - Predators of the young: Larger spiders, insectivorous beetles, parasitic wasps, birds - Predators of adults: Birds, larger spiders, predatory insects and some small vertebrates ## Effect on plants and gardens Does not feed on plants; helps reduce small insect pests in gardens and around buildings ## Where and when to find it Look on sunny walls, window frames, fences, garden sheds and tree bark. Eggs are in silk sacs tucked into crevices; spiderlings stay near sheltered spots. - Best time: Spring to early autumn during daylight hours, especially on warm, sunny days. - Tips: Approach slowly and use a zoom lens or macro setting; the spiders are curious and may turn to face you, showing their large eyes. Photograph from eye level for a striking shot. ## Fun facts - Zebra jumping spiders have excellent vision: the large central eyes give sharp, binocular vision used to judge distances before leaping. - They do not use webs to catch prey; instead they make a dragline of silk as a safety tether when jumping. - Males perform elaborate visual displays during courtship, waving legs and abdomen to attract females. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are zebra jumping spiders dangerous? No. They are not dangerous to people. Bites are rare and usually cause only mild, temporary irritation. ### Do zebra jumping spiders bite? They can bite if handled or provoked, but bites are uncommon and typically minor. ### Why is a zebra jumping spider in my house? They are attracted to sunny window sills and walls where prey (small insects) is plentiful. They may wander indoors while hunting or seeking shelter. ### How do I get rid of zebra jumping spiders? They are beneficial predators; if you want them removed, gently capture them in a jar and release outdoors. Seal cracks and reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects to make your walls less attractive. ### Where do zebra jumping spiders live? On sunny vertical surfaces such as stone, brick and wood, around human buildings, fences and garden structures across much of Europe, North America and parts of Asia. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68901), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_spider). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.