Are There Bold Jumping Spiders in New Hampshire?
Yes, bold jumping spiders are found throughout New Hampshire, though they are more common in the warmer southern and central regions than in the cooler northern areas. These small, fuzzy spiders with distinctive triangular abdominal markings are harmless and actually beneficial, hunting insects around homes and gardens during the warmer months.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Bold Jumping Spider · Jaime McGuigan CC BY
Bold Jumping Spider · Nick Kleinschmidt CC BY
Bold Jumping Spider · Public domain CC0
- 1
- species recorded
- 182
- GBIF records
- June, May, September
- peak months
Yes, bold jumping spiders are in New Hampshire. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
255 verified observations on iNaturalist of bold jumping spider have been recorded in New Hampshire, most often in June, May, September.
When bold jumping spider are recorded in New Hampshire
Yes, bold jumping spiders are found throughout New Hampshire, though they are more common in the warmer southern and central regions than in the cooler northern areas. These small, fuzzy spiders with distinctive triangular abdominal markings are harmless and actually beneficial, hunting insects around homes and gardens during the warmer months.
Where Bold Jumping Spiders Are Found in New Hampshire
Bold jumping spiders inhabit a wide range of New Hampshire habitats, from the seacoast region near Portsmouth to the inland areas and mountain foothills. They are most abundant in the southern and central parts of the state, particularly in the Merrimack River valley and the areas around Manchester and Nashua. In the north, around the White Mountain National Forest and the higher elevations of Coos County, they become progressively less common because the cooler climate is less favorable for this species. The Connecticut River valley forms a natural corridor where these spiders thrive, moving northward along this major river system. They are found in both natural habitats and human-modified landscapes, including gardens, yards, buildings, and open fields. The warmer microclimates of the seacoast and the Piscataqua River region support healthy populations. You can learn more about New Hampshire's diverse spider fauna on the/wildlife/new-hampshirewildlife hub. Seethe Bold Jumping Spider guide for New Hampshirefor more.
Season and Timing in New Hampshire
Bold jumping spiders follow a seasonal pattern in New Hampshire that is shaped by the state's four distinct seasons. They typically emerge in spring as the weather warms, usually around late April or May, when insects become more active and available as prey. Through June, July, and August, these spiders are at their most active and visible, hunting on sunny walls, windowsills, and plants. Activity peaks during warm, sunny days in mid to late summer when temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees. Fall activity continues through September and early October as long as warm days persist, but by late October and November, most adults have disappeared or become inactive in sheltered locations. In winter, hardy individuals may survive in protected spaces like building crevices or under tree bark, but they are rarely seen outdoors. Spring again brings emergence from dormancy, and the cycle repeats. The timing varies by year depending on how early spring arrives and how long warm weather persists. Seethe New Hampshire wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Bold Jumping Spider
Bold jumping spiders are instantly recognizable once you know what to look for. The most distinctive feature is the triangular or heart-shaped white or orange spot on the black fuzzy abdomen. The body is typically glossy black or very dark brown with a fuzzy texture. The most striking identification feature is the pair of large, forward-facing eyes on the face, which give the spider a distinctive appearance compared to most other spiders. Equally notable are the iridescent green or blue-green chelicerae, which are the mouthparts positioned between the front legs. These metallic jaws are visible even to the naked eye and are a reliable field mark. Body size ranges from 8 to 15 millimeters, making them small but not tiny, roughly the size of a small seed. Males may be slightly smaller and often have more pronounced coloration. Females tend to be a bit stockier. The legs are relatively short and stout, adapted for pouncing rather than running.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New Hampshire
Bold jumping spiders concentrate in specific habitats within New Hampshire where conditions favor hunting and shelter. Sunny, open areas are prime habitat because these spiders hunt by sight and are day-active. South-facing walls of buildings, wooden decks, and sun-warmed rocks are common gathering places. In natural settings, they prefer open woodlands and forest edges, field margins, and areas with low vegetation. Around gardens and yards, they are attracted to areas with flowering plants that draw insects. The seacoast region, particularly around the dunes and beach vegetation along Hampton and Rye beaches, provides excellent habitat. The Saco River valley in the mountains offers suitable conditions in the lower elevation sections. Parks and open natural areas like the Bear Brook State Park near Allenstown provide good hunting grounds. Suburban and urban gardens with sunny exposures are excellent places to find them. The warmer microclimates in the Merrimack River valley, particularly areas like Concord and Manchester, support reliable populations. Areas with more sun exposure and warmer temperatures will have higher concentrations.
Typical Behavior of Bold Jumping Spiders
Bold jumping spiders are daytime hunters, active primarily during sunny hours and warm weather. Unlike web-building spiders, they hunt by active stalking and pouncing, using their excellent vision to locate prey. They hunt small insects including flies, gnats, small moths, and other arthropods. Their hunting strategy involves careful stalk and observation, with the spider positioning itself close to potential prey before making a rapid, accurate pounce. They often hunt on sunny surfaces like walls, rock faces, plants, and building exteriors where insects also congregate. These spiders are solitary except during mating season and are generally docile toward humans. Males perform elaborate courtship displays involving body movements and posturing when seeking mates. They do not construct prey-catching webs but may build small silk shelters for overwintering or protecting eggs. These shelters are small, inconspicuous silk tents, often found in protected corners or under bark. Bold jumping spiders can see in color, which is unusual for spiders, and they use this ability to navigate and hunt. They are curious and often observe humans intently, sometimes following movements with their large forward-facing eyes.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Bold jumping spiders pose no threat to people and are entirely harmless, making them a welcome addition to any garden or home. They do not bite unless directly threatened and even then very rarely. Their fangs are far too small to penetrate human skin. In the rare event of a bite, the spider would need to be severely provoked or crushed. Bites would be no more serious than a mosquito bite, with no venom of medical concern to humans. These spiders are actually beneficial residents because they consume many pest insects, including flies, gnats, and small arthropods that might otherwise be unwanted. They are protected under general wildlife laws but have no special protections specific to this species. You can encourage them to stay by maintaining sunny areas in your garden and avoiding pesticide use. They are harmless to plants and to gardens. If you find one indoors, simply catching it gently in a cup and releasing it outside is the kindest option. There is no reason to kill them or remove them; they are peaceful cohabitants and excellent pest controllers.
Common Species That Look Similar
Several other jumping spiders inhabit New Hampshire and can potentially be confused with the bold jumping spider. The regal jumping spider is one of the most common similar species. Regal jumping spiders are often larger, up to 20 millimeters, and typically have more prominent patterning with white spots and stripes on a dark background. They also have the forward-facing eyes and iridescent green mouthparts like bold jumping spiders. The key difference is that regal jumping spiders have more extensive white markings on the abdomen and carapace. The zebra jumping spider is another common species that could cause confusion. Zebra jumping spiders have distinctive longitudinal white or light stripes running along the abdomen and carapace. They are slightly smaller than bold jumping spiders and lack the prominent triangular spot. Striped lynx spiders can also be mistaken for jumping spiders but have thinner legs and are more orange or brown in color. Wolf spiders, though larger and more terrestrial, might be confused with jumping spiders by beginners but wolf spiders have eyes arranged differently and lack the large forward-facing eyes. Learning to identify the triangular abdominal spot and iridescent green mouthparts will quickly distinguish bold jumping spiders from look-alikes. Visit/wildlifeto explore more spider species found across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do bold jumping spiders eat? Bold jumping spiders are carnivorous hunters that feed on small insects such as flies, gnats, mosquitoes, small moths, and other arthropods. They hunt by sight during daylight hours, stalking and pouncing on their prey with remarkable accuracy. How do bold jumping spiders hunt without a web? Unlike many spider species, bold jumping spiders do not build prey-catching webs. Instead, they actively hunt using their excellent vision to locate prey. They carefully stalk their target, getting as close as possible before making a rapid pounce that usually captures the insect successfully. Are bold jumping spiders dangerous to humans? No, bold jumping spiders are completely harmless to humans. They are not aggressive and do not bite under normal circumstances. Even if provoked, their fangs are far too small to penetrate human skin, and they have no venom of medical concern. How can I attract bold jumping spiders to my garden? To attract bold jumping spiders, maintain sunny areas with diverse plants that attract insects. Avoid using pesticides, which eliminate their food source. Provide some shelter and open hunting ground. Plant flowering species that attract small insects, and simply allow natural spider populations to establish themselves. For more information about New Hampshire wildlife, visit the/wildlife/new-hampshireresource hub.
Plan your trip
Best time to see bold jumping spider in New Hampshire: June, May, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bold jumping spider sighting in New Hampshire
182 verified bold jumping spider records have been logged in New Hampshire, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
More wildlife in New Hampshire