Canada’s own native Phidippus audax—the Bold Jumping Spider, is one of the most iconic and resilient species in the hobby. Every specimen offered here is captive-bred and individually reared in-house under the same environmental control systems used in our professional enclosure line.
Audax are confident, active, intelligent and endlessly curious—known for watching movement, fascinating behaviours and a striking blue-green chelicerae that shimmers in light. Their adaptable nature makes them an excellent introduction to the world of jumping spiders and a rewarding long-term companion for seasoned keepers alike.
Every specimen is carefully raised on-site, handled, and conditioned to human presence, making the move to its new home as smooth as possible.
Phidippus Audax (Bold Jumping Spider)
Phidippus audax occurs naturally across most of North America—from southern Canada to Mexico—thriving in open fields, gardens, and forest edges. This adaptability makes it particularly comfortable in typical indoor conditions.
Audax are agile, intelligent hunters with remarkable vision and curiosity. Adult males typically measure 9–15 mm (⅜–⅝ in) in body length, while adult females range from 12–19 mm (½–¾ in), with females generally larger and more robust. Their deep black bodies are accented by a white central triangle and paired spots along the abdomen, while their vibrant metallic chelicerae shimmer green to turquoise depending on the light.
Their exceptional visual system, capable of motion and colour detection at 0.1° resolution, supports precise jumps and awareness rarely seen in invertebrates. This visual acuity contributes to their interactive behaviour—watching movement, tilting their heads, and reacting to their environment with clear awareness.
Females are hardy, easy to feed, and in stable indoor conditions commonly reach 14–18 months in captivity, remaining active ~9–12 months after their final molt. Males—though sometimes pickier—are bold and visible, typically living ~5–8 months post-maturity for a total lifespan around 10–14 months.
Audax often outlive other common pet species thanks to their broad climate tolerance. They handle cooler, drier indoor conditions typical of Canadian homes far better than subtropical species, whose lifespans can shorten under low humidity or fluctuating temperatures.
