Are There Bold Jumping Spiders in North Dakota?
Bold jumping spiders are extremely rare in North Dakota, occurring only occasionally in the southern and central portions of the state. The state's cool northern climate and short growing season are generally too harsh for this warmth-loving species, which finds more suitable conditions further south.
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 · Public domain CC0
Bold Jumping Spider · Public domain CC0
Bold Jumping Spider · Public domain CC0
- 1
- species recorded
- 55
- GBIF records
- September, May, June
- peak months
Yes, bold jumping spiders are in North Dakota. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
73 verified observations on iNaturalist of bold jumping spider have been recorded in North Dakota, most often in September, May, June.
When bold jumping spider are recorded in North Dakota
Bold jumping spiders are extremely rare in North Dakota, occurring only occasionally in the southern and central portions of the state. The state's cool northern climate and short growing season are generally too harsh for this warmth-loving species, which finds more suitable conditions further south.
Where Bold Jumping Spiders Are Found in North Dakota
Bold jumping spiders are at the far northern edge of their natural range in North Dakota, making them essentially absent from much of the state. If they do occur in North Dakota, populations would be found only in the warmer, more temperate southern portions of the state, particularly in areas with favorable microclimates that provide more consistent warmth. The Missouri River runs through central North Dakota and may provide limited suitable habitat in protected areas along its banks, especially in the lower elevations near Bismarck and Pierre. The southwestern corner of the state, which tends to have slightly warmer temperatures and lower elevations, might occasionally host wandering individuals or temporary populations during particularly warm years. The Red River valley in the eastern part of the state provides the warmest, most moisture-rich conditions in North Dakota, though even this area is marginal for bold jumping spiders. Most reports of bold jumping spiders in North Dakota would likely represent transient individuals or populations established during unusually warm summers rather than stable, year-round populations. The species is absent from the northern portions of the state, the badlands regions, and high elevation areas. Related jumping spider species that are better adapted to cool climates are more likely to be encountered in North Dakota. You can learn more about North Dakota spiders and wildlife on the/wildlife/north-dakotahub. Seethe Bold Jumping Spider guide for North Dakotafor more.
Season and Timing in North Dakota
Bold jumping spiders, if they occur at all in North Dakota, would have an extremely short active season compared to their presence in warmer states. In the southern portions of the state where they might rarely occur, activity would be limited to late spring through early fall, roughly June through September at best. The state's harsh winters make overwintering nearly impossible for most individuals, and severe spring frosts arrive late enough that many potential early season populations fail to establish. The window for breeding and reproduction is so narrow in North Dakota that successful establishment of populations is unlikely except in unusually warm years or in protected microclimates. Summer temperatures during July and August in southern North Dakota might occasionally reach levels suitable for activity, but cool nights and unpredictable weather make conditions unstable. By October, cooler temperatures return, pushing any active spiders toward dormancy. Many years would pass with no observed bold jumping spiders in the state because conditions simply do not persist long enough for populations to thrive. If an individual bold jumping spider were observed in North Dakota, it would most likely occur in July or August during a warm spell. The species is far more common in states to the south such as Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, where conditions are more consistently warm and the active season lasts longer. Any confirmed sighting in North Dakota would represent either a transient individual from a warmer climate or an exceptional circumstance rather than an established population. Seethe North Dakota wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Bold Jumping Spider
If you encounter a bold jumping spider in North Dakota, you can identify it by its distinctive features. The most striking characteristic is the bold white or orange triangular or heart-shaped spot located on the glossy black abdomen. This marking stands out clearly against the dark background and is one of the most reliable field marks. The body overall is glossy black or very dark brown with a fuzzy texture that gives it a velvety appearance under magnification. The carapace, or the head-thorax region, shares this dark coloration and fuzzy texture. Most notably, the mouthparts or chelicerae are iridescent green or blue-green, creating a metallic appearance that is visible even to the naked eye. This iridescent green coloring is unique among spiders and is a reliable identification feature for bold jumping spiders. The spider has a distinctive face with a pair of large forward-facing main eyes that dominate the front of the head, quite different from the more typical spider eye arrangement. Six additional smaller eyes are positioned around the head. The body size is small, ranging from 8 to 15 millimeters from front to back. The legs are relatively short and stout, built for jumping rather than fast running. Males tend to be smaller and more brightly colored than females, with more brilliant green mouthparts.
Where Sightings Concentrate in North Dakota
If bold jumping spiders are encountered in North Dakota, sightings would concentrate in specific favorable locations where conditions allow them to survive. Warm, sheltered, south-facing areas that accumulate solar heat would be the most likely locations. Building walls, particularly on the south side of structures, would be prime locations if any individuals were present. Sunny areas protected from wind would be ideal, as these spiders require warmth and rely on sunlight for hunting by sight. Areas with dense human habitation and infrastructure might be more likely to support occasional individuals because buildings provide shelter and warmth. Agricultural areas with crop fields might provide suitable insect prey, though the cooler overall temperatures would still be limiting. The Missouri River valley, particularly areas with south-facing slopes and dense vegetation, might provide limited suitable habitat during the warmest parts of summer. Parks and gardens in the warmer towns and cities of southern North Dakota would be more likely locations than rural areas. Any sightings would occur in open, sunny locations rather than shaded or forested areas, as these spiders require bright light for hunting. Natural areas like Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the badlands would be unlikely locations due to cooler temperatures and shorter growing season. The species would be virtually impossible to find in northern North Dakota or during the cooler months of the year. Any individual bold jumping spider found in North Dakota would likely be in a human-modified landscape such as a town, city, or building exterior rather than in a wild natural area.
Typical Behavior of Bold Jumping Spiders
Bold jumping spiders are daytime hunters that rely on excellent vision to find their prey. They are active primarily during daylight hours when they can use their color vision to navigate and hunt. These spiders hunt by stalking and pouncing on their prey, using careful positioning and observation before launching a rapid jump that captures insects with remarkable accuracy. They feed on small insects including flies, gnats, mosquitoes, small moths, and other tiny arthropods. Unlike web-building spiders, bold jumping spiders actively hunt and do not construct prey-catching webs as part of their normal behavior. They are solitary spiders except during mating season when males seek out females. Males perform elaborate courtship displays involving body movements, vibrations, and posturing directed at females. They have been observed apparently watching and following human observers with their large forward-facing eyes. The spiders produce silk for purposes other than hunting webs, using it to create small shelters for rest or egg protection. They are capable of jumping distances several times their own body length, which is an effective hunting and escape strategy. These spiders can see in color and perceive ultraviolet light, giving them detailed visual abilities compared to most other spiders. They are generally docile toward humans and larger animals and pose no threat. Their behavior is animated and curious, and they are often observed intently watching their surroundings and responding to movement.
Coexistence and Safety Notes
Bold jumping spiders are completely harmless to humans, should they ever be encountered in North Dakota. These small spiders pose no threat whatsoever and should never be feared or killed. They do not bite unless deliberately crushed or placed under extreme duress, and even then bites are extremely rare. Their fangs are far too small to penetrate human skin, and they carry no venom of any medical concern to people. If a bite were somehow to occur, it would be no worse than a mosquito bite and would pose no health risk. These spiders are beneficial insects that consume flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and other small arthropods that many people consider pests. They cause no damage to plants, property, or food stores. They are protected under general North Dakota wildlife laws as part of the broader protections afforded to all native wildlife species. If you find a bold jumping spider indoors in North Dakota, which would be extremely unusual, the kindest option is to gently capture it in a cup or container and release it outside into a sunny location. There is no reason to kill it; the spider is harmless and helpful. The main challenge in North Dakota is that these spiders are so rarely encountered that most people will go their entire lives without seeing one. Those who do encounter one should consider themselves fortunate to have observed such an interesting and beneficial creature.
Common Species That Look Similar
In North Dakota, other jumping spider species are more common than the bold jumping spider and might be confused with it if encountered. Several Phidippus species, including the regal jumping spider, are more common in the state's warmer regions. The regal jumping spider, when present in North Dakota, would be distinguished by its larger size and more extensive white patterning on the abdomen and carapace, compared to the bold jumping spider's more limited triangular spot. The zebra jumping spider occurs in North Dakota and has distinctive white longitudinal stripes running along the abdomen and carapace, quite different from the bold spider's pattern. Other common jumping spider genera in North Dakota include Evarcha and Habronattus species, which have different body shapes and coloration patterns. Striped lynx spiders, though not jumping spiders, might be confused with jumping spiders by someone unfamiliar with them, but they have much longer, thinner legs and lack the large forward-facing eyes characteristic of jumping spiders. Wolf spiders are more abundant in North Dakota than jumping spiders and might be mistaken for them by casual observers, but wolf spiders are generally larger, have different eye arrangements, and hunt by running rather than jumping. The most reliable way to identify a bold jumping spider if encountered in North Dakota would be to note the combination of the triangular abdominal spot, iridescent green mouthparts, and large forward-facing eyes. These features together distinguish it from other spider species found in the state. Consult/wildlifeto learn about more North Dakota arthropod species and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I find bold jumping spiders in North Dakota? Bold jumping spiders are extremely rare in North Dakota and you are unlikely to encounter one unless you live in the southern portion of the state during an unusually warm summer. The state's cool climate and short growing season are not favorable for this warmth-loving species. Where would I most likely find a bold jumping spider in North Dakota? If one were to occur in North Dakota, it would be found in the warmest, most sheltered locations such as south-facing walls of buildings or in the warmer areas of southern North Dakota during the summer months. Are bold jumping spiders dangerous? No, bold jumping spiders are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite and pose no threat whatsoever. Why are bold jumping spiders so rare in North Dakota? The state's climate is simply too cool and the growing season too short for bold jumping spiders to thrive. These spiders require sustained warm weather and adequate time for hunting and reproduction. North Dakota winters are far too harsh for most individuals to survive, and spring arrives too late for populations to become established. Where else can I see bold jumping spiders more easily? Bold jumping spiders are much more common in warmer states to the south, particularly in the Great Plains states like Kansas and Oklahoma, and throughout the southeastern United States. If you visit these states during summer, you will have a much better chance of encountering this species. For more information about North Dakota wildlife, visit the/wildlife/north-dakotaresource hub.
Plan your trip
Best time to see bold jumping spider in North Dakota: September, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bold jumping spider sighting in North Dakota
55 verified bold jumping spider records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site · Find hotels
More wildlife in North Dakota