Think before killing the tiny jumping spider because it might do more good than bad to your plants!
Are you wondering how a bug can be beneficial to your plants? Read on to find out.
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How to Identify Jumping Spiders?
Not all multi-legged insects living on your houseplant are harmful; some may be doing you a favor by eating harmful pests.
The jumping spider (Phidippus clarus) is a one-of-a-kind spider from the family Salticidae, which includes over 6,000 described species.
Biological predators against aphids, mealworms, moths, and web-spinning spiders, which feed on your houseplants.
Moreover, their frontal eyes allow a wider field of view to find prey and detect predators, making them agile hunters.
Therefore, you must be careful not to kill them. Here are a few pointers to help them identify correctly.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phidippus clarus |
| Common Name | Bold Jumping Spider |
| Family | Salticidae |
| Size | 1-25 mm |
| Coloration | Bold pattern of white spots on a dark background |
| Habitat | Houseplants, gardens, grasslands, and forests |
| Range | Throughout North America |
| Lifespan | One year or less |
| Diet | Carnivorous, preying on insects |
| Behavior | Active hunter or predator |
| Vision | Large, frontal eyes with binocular vision |
| Toxicity | Not harmful to humans or pets |
| Web Construction | Does not spin webs |
Are Jumping Spiders Good For Your Plants?
Jumping spider differs from web-spinning spiders, making them less of a pest for house plants.
In fact, they are one of the most adopted bio-control agents for preventing crop damage.
- Pest Control: They prey on various insects, including flies, mosquitoes, ants, and common plant pests, keeping their number in control. Succulents will enjoy their presence as these plants often witness more sap-sucking pests.
- Low Maintenance: Jumping spiders are relatively low maintenance; they do not create disgusting webs in your living spaces.
- Fascination: Jumping spiders make an attraction for their colorful appearance and entertaining behavior. In fact, they are the most observed arachnids in nature documentary.
- Bio-control Agent: Use them as bio-control agents for field crops and orchards, where pests are common.
Are Jumping Spiders Good To Have Around The House?
Jumping spiders are not particularly human or pet-friendly but do not cause any trouble.
These jumping spiders are poisonous or venomous and use their poison to kill off pests; therefore, you should not mess with them. However, the severity of their poison is less likely to harm humans and pets.
They will naturally stay out of your way if you do not mind them building nests and killing off wandering pests.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Jumping spiders and humans can coexist harmoniously and benefit from each other’s presence.
Ensure jumping spiders are happy by avoiding using harsh chemicals on the plant and removing their home during pruning.
Using a sprayer, mist your plant twice a week to allow these spiders access to water.
