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Harmless

Zebra jumping spider

Salticus scenicus
Also called zebra spider, zebra jumper

Harmless: this tiny black-and-white striped jumper on sunny windowsills does not harm people.

Zebra jumping spider, photo 1
Photo: logybayer, CC0, via iNaturalist
SizeFemales about 4.3–6.4 mm (about 1/6 to 1/4 inch); males about 4–5.5 mm (about 1/6 inch)
Where in the houseWindows and walls, living room, outside near the house
WhenSpring through late summer, especially on warm, sunny days.

Check these features

  1. Small, compact black or dark brown body with bold white stripes and bands
  2. White band along the sides of the head and white hairs around the eyes
  3. Two very large forward-facing eyes
  4. Jerky, stop-and-go walking and short jumps
  5. Males have large dark jaws that stick forward

Bites and stings

Does not bite people in any meaningful way; it is too small and too shy.

What to do

  1. Nothing urgent: let it hop onto paper or into a cup and put it outside.
  2. Leave it be if you like; it catches flies and mosquitoes.
  3. Vacuum small silk retreats in window corners if you prefer.

Look-alikes

Bold jumping spiderThe bold jumper is larger and fuzzy black with white or orange spots and green jaws, rather than striped; both are harmless.
Tan jumping spiderThe tan jumper is flatter and gray-tan with a wavy pattern, not black with crisp white stripes.
Black widow (spiderling or young)Young widows hang in tangled webs and have round, smooth abdomens, while zebra spiders hop around in the open on sunny walls and never sit in a web.

Why it came inside

It hunts on sun-warmed walls, fences and window frames and often wanders in through open or poorly screened windows while chasing small flies.

Keep it out

  • Repair or replace torn window screens.
  • Seal gaps around window frames with caulk.
  • Fit door sweeps and weatherstripping on exterior doors.

What helps

Links go to Amazon search results so you can compare current options. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Always follow the product label.

Screen repair kit

Patches or replaces torn window and door screens, one of the most common ways insects get in.

See options on Amazon
Caulk and sealant

Silicone or siliconized acrylic caulk closes cracks around windows, pipes and baseboards. Bigger gaps need foam backer rod or expanding foam first.

See options on Amazon
Door sweep

Closes the gap under an exterior door. If you can see daylight under the door, bugs can get in.

See options on Amazon
Weatherstripping

Seals the gaps around doors and windows that let in drafts and bugs alike.

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Bug catcher

A long-handled catcher moves a spider or insect outside without you having to touch it.

See options on Amazon
Hand lens

A 10x magnifier makes small features easier to check, like eye patterns, markings or the shield on a tick.

See options on Amazon

Sources

  1. Penn State Extension
  2. University of Minnesota Extension
  3. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station
  4. University of Minnesota Extension
  5. British Arachnological Society

Checked October 18, 2026. Rating backed by 3 sources. How we rate danger.