Are There Bold Jumping Spiders in Wyoming?
Bold jumping spiders are uncommon and local in Wyoming. Phidippus audax occurs sporadically in the state, primarily at lower elevations in sheltered valleys and warmer areas. This eastern species is at the edge of its range in the high interior West. They are rare but possible finds.
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 · ursusarctoshorribilis CC BY-ND
Bold Jumping Spider · Austin Saunders CC BY
Bold Jumping Spider · ursusarctoshorribilis CC BY-ND
- 1
- species recorded
- 107
- GBIF records
- May, October, June
- peak months
Yes, bold jumping spiders are in Wyoming. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
152 verified observations on iNaturalist of bold jumping spider have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in May, October, June.
When bold jumping spider are recorded in Wyoming
Bold jumping spiders are uncommon and local in Wyoming. Phidippus audax occurs sporadically in the state, primarily at lower elevations in sheltered valleys and warmer areas. This eastern species is at the edge of its range in the high interior West. They are rare but possible finds.
Where Bold Jumping Spiders Are Found in Wyoming
Bold jumping spiders occur sporadically in Wyoming but are not reliably found anywhere in the state. They appear most often at lower elevations in protected valleys and warmer areas. The Bighorn Basin, Wind River basin, and valleys around Thermopolis occasionally produce sightings. Warmer regions near the Black Hills transition zone may host populations. Northern Wyoming valleys sometimes harbor individuals. Southern Wyoming including areas around Laramie supports occasional populations. The Green River valley is a potential habitat. High elevations and exposed ridge tops are unsuitable. Mountain passes and windswept areas lack populations. Urban gardens in warmer towns like Casper sometimes host spiders. They remain essentially absent from the highest mountains and plains. Related Phidippus species may be more common. VisitWyoming wildliferesources orwildlife guidesto learn about local jumping spiders and regional ecology.
Season and Timing in Wyoming
Bold jumping spiders in Wyoming are active from June through September at best, a very short season. They emerge later than in warmer states. Peak activity occurs in July and August. Warm, sunny days trigger hunting and mate-seeking behavior. Juveniles appear in mid-summer. September cool spells reduce activity significantly. By October, most have entered dormancy. Wyoming's cold winters eliminate most outdoor populations. Very few survive the winter. Overwintered eggs hatch in spring providing new generations. Their extremely limited activity window reflects Wyoming's cold climate and high elevation. Lower valleys experience slightly longer seasons than mountain areas. Even in favorable years, activity is compressed into a short window. Most years may produce no sightings at all. Individual presence is unpredictable.
How to Identify Bold Jumping Spiders in Wyoming
Bold jumping spiders are small, measuring 8 to 15 millimeters with a compact, fuzzy black body. The key field mark is a white or orange triangular spot on the abdomen. This marking is the most distinctive feature. The chelicerae or mouthparts display iridescent blue or green coloration quite striking in light. These are visible to the naked eye. Large forward-facing eyes provide exceptional vision. This eye arrangement is distinctive among Wyoming spiders. Legs are predominantly black with some reddish coloration on the front pairs. The body texture is fuzzy and velvety. Males often show brighter orange and red coloration than females. Each spider shows individual variation in exact pattern and hue. Magnification reveals fine details clearly. Their alert posture and active movement set them apart from web-building spiders.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Wyoming
Bold jumping spiders in Wyoming concentrate in warm, sunny areas with abundant insect prey where they occur. South-facing building walls and warm exposures attract them. Protected valley gardens and landscaped areas support populations. Wooden structures, fence posts, and deck railings provide hunting perches. Open field margins and grasslands in warmer basins are productive. CheckWyoming wildlife guidesfor other spider species found in the state. Areas around outdoor lights concentrate insects and therefore spiders. Dry, sunny exposures are strongly preferred. Dense forests and shaded areas are unsuitable. High-elevation and windswept areas are empty of this species. Spotting them requires visiting lower valleys and favoring the warmest microclimates. Early morning or afternoon on sunny days offers best observation chances. They are never common even in favorable locations within Wyoming.
Typical Behavior of Bold Jumping Spiders
Bold jumping spiders are active daytime hunters that stalk and pounce on small insects. They build no webs and instead actively move through their territory. When spotting prey, they creep forward slowly before launching a sudden jump. Diet includes flies, gnats, small insects, and tiny arthropods. Each spider maintains a small hunting territory. Males search for females during warm months. These spiders are solitary except during mating season. They are curious and intelligent for spiders. They often approach humans without obvious fear. Bold jumping spiders demonstrate remarkable visual tracking ability. They can jump many times their body length in any direction. Vision includes color perception. Their activity follows insect availability and sunlight. Cool weather or darkness sends them to shelter.
Safety and Coexistence with Bold Jumping Spiders
Bold jumping spiders are completely harmless to humans. They do not bite people under normal circumstances. If somehow squeezed, they might bite but could cause no injury as fangs are too small to penetrate human skin. Their venom affects only tiny insects and has zero impact on humans. These spiders actively avoid confrontation with large creatures. They show no interest in biting humans. Wyoming has no specific legal protections for this species. General wildlife regulations apply. Peaceful coexistence is the best approach. If found indoors, simply capture gently in a cup and release outdoors. These spiders cause no damage and provide benefit by eating household insects. Their presence in gardens helps control insect populations. Appreciate them as beneficial residents contributing to ecological balance in their limited Wyoming habitats.
Species People Confuse with Bold Jumping Spiders
The regal jumping spider is larger and shows bright red or orange patches with white stripes. The zebra jumping spider displays distinctive white stripes rather than the triangular spot. Both jumping spider families occur in Wyoming but are distinguished by observation. Wolf spiders are significantly larger with different eye arrangement. They lack the characteristic triangular spot marking. Pirate spiders are smaller with different proportions. Lynx spiders have spiny legs and different patterns. Small ground spiders might superficially resemble jumping spiders but lack the forward-facing eye arrangement. Other Phidippus species may be more common in Wyoming than P. audax. SeeWyoming bold jumping spider detailsfor identification tips. The white or orange triangular spot and iridescent green mouthparts uniquely identify bold jumping spiders. Geographic rarity in Wyoming should prompt careful identification to confirm identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bold Jumping Spiders
Why are bold jumping spiders rare in Wyoming? This species evolved in warmer eastern regions. Wyoming's high elevation, cold winters, and short summers are unsuitable for thriving populations. This represents the edge of the species range. Are other jumping spiders more common in Wyoming? Yes, other Phidippus species and other jumping spider families are better adapted to local conditions. ExploreWyoming wildlifefor local species. Is this species present in Wyoming year-round? No, only active June through September and only in warmer areas. Most do not survive winters. How can I find one in Wyoming? Search lower valleys and protected basins on warm sunny days. South-facing building walls are good spots. Visit in mid-summer. What should I do if I find one? Observe closely and photograph without disturbing. They are rare enough to warrant documentation.
Plan your trip
Best time to see bold jumping spider in Wyoming: May, October, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bold jumping spider sighting in Wyoming
107 verified bold jumping spider records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wyoming
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