Identify jumping spiders by large front eyes, small size, active movement and no capture web. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.

Photo credits

DavidFrancis34 from Australia CC BY-SA 2.0 · Opoterser CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nosferattus CC0 · Ganjarmustika1904 CC BY-SA 4.0

Salticidae

Jumping Spider Identification in Australia

Tiny to small active hunter with large front eyes and jerky jumping movement.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePin head to pea

Colours / marksBlack or very dark, Brown, Grey, Patterned

Web clueNo capture web

Usually foundWalls, windows, plants, bark, fences and garden surfaces.

First aid / what to do now

Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
Wash the bite area with soap and water.
Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
Call 13 11 26 or seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, spreading, infected-looking, allergic, or you are unsure what bit you.

This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

How to identify the Jumping spider

Small body
Large front-facing eyes
Short jumping movements
Often on walls, plants or windows

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Look for eye arrangement and jumping movement rather than web clues.

When to seek medical help

Seek care only if symptoms are severe, allergic or concerning.

Where the Jumping spider is usually seen in Australia

Walls, windows, plants, bark, fences and garden surfaces.

How it differs from lookalikes

These comparisons are clues, not a confirmed species ID. Use several features together: body shape, size, location, web type and behaviour.

Giant bark jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for eye arrangement and jumping movement rather than web clues. For the other possibility, check: Check for the jumping-spider stance, short stalking movements and bark or wall setting. Compare with generic jumping spiders, peacock spiders and tiny wall spiders if the photo is unclear.
White-banded house jumping spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for eye arrangement and jumping movement rather than web clues. For the other possibility, check: Check for jumping-spider eyes, short jumps and mottled white-banded patterning. Compare with garden jumping spiders, bronze Aussie jumping spiders and peacock spiders if the body pattern or location is unclear.
Ant-mimic spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Look for eye arrangement and jumping movement rather than web clues. For the other possibility, check: Look for eight legs and spider-like eyes when it pauses.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Jumping spider vs Giant bark jumping spidersame region, similar size Jumping spider vs White-banded house jumping spidersame region, similar size Jumping spider vs Ant-mimic spidersame region, similar size Jumping spider vs Orange-legged swift spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland VICVictoria TASTasmania WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia NTNorthern Territory ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Jumping spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Jumping spider Identify Jumping spider by picture clues Jumping spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Jumping spider in NSW Identify Jumping spider in QLD Identify Jumping spider in VIC

Reference notes

How this guide stays cautious

Spider Identifier Australia uses visible clues to suggest likely possibilities. It is not a medical diagnosis or a formal species determination.

Australian Museum spider informationAustralian spider identification, biology and dangerous spider context.
Australian Museum funnel-web spidersFunnel-web range, identification and bite-safety context.
Poisons Information CentreCall 13 11 26 for poisons advice from anywhere in Australia.

Common questions

Jumping spider FAQ

Is the Jumping spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek care only if symptoms are severe, allergic or concerning.

How do I identify the Jumping spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small body; Large front-facing eyes; Short jumping movements; Often on walls, plants or windows.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Jumping spider?

Clean the area, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms spread, infection signs appear, or you are unsure what bit you.

Where is the Jumping spider usually found?