At a glance
Essentials
- Size
- Females: 5–9 mm; males: 5–6 mm. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
- Distribution
- Holarctic: Europe, North America, and northern Asia.
- Habitat
- Open and vertical habitats: rocks, walls, fences, and trunks.
- Activity
- Hunts by stalking prey and jumping on it; uses a silk thread as a safety line before jumping.
- Diet
- Small arthropods, especially flies and mosquitoes; can capture prey up to three times its length.
- Conservation
- Harmless to humans.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
Black coloration with white stripes formed by hairs, often in a chevron shape.
- 02
Very large anterior median eyes that provide binocular vision.
- 03
Small size: females 5–9 mm and males 5–6 mm.
- 04
Short and strong legs, giving it a robust appearance.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
The zebra spider (Salticus scenicus) is a species of the family Salticidae, common in the Northern Hemisphere. Its common name refers to its striking black and white striped coloration, while the scientific name derives from the Latin salticus (jump) and the Greek scenicus (theatrical), in reference to its showy appearance.
Regarding its morphology, females measure between 5 and 9 mm in length, while males are slightly smaller, from 5 to 6 mm. They possess eight eyes, with the anterior median eyes being very large and providing excellent binocular vision. Their body is dark brown to black, covered in white hairs that form stripes, often in a chevron shape. The legs are short and strong, giving them a robust appearance.
Its distribution spans Europe, North America, and northern Asia, being found throughout the Holarctic. This species is naturally associated with open habitats such as rock faces, gravel beaches, and occasionally tree trunks. Due to its preference for vertical and open surfaces, it is frequently found in urban environments, living in close proximity to humans on garden fences, building walls, and sometimes in the corners of window sills.