Emerald Jumping Spider

The Emerald Jumping Spider (Paraphidus aurantius), belongs to the jumping spider family Salticidae. These vibrantly colored spiders can be found in New Jersey as well as most of the United States and Central America. Male emerald jumping spiders are 7 to 10 millimeters long, compared to the length of females, which ranges from 8 to 12 millimeters. With the exception of a white stripe on either side of the head, males are primarily black in appearance. Females, though, primarily have dark skin with occasional orange markings.

Emerald jumping spiders acquire prey by using their strong jumping skills and excellent vision. They can readily kill and eat insects that are more than double their size due to their strength and size. While fearsome hunters in their own right, they pose little to no threat to humans.