Which species of spider has black and white stripes on its legs?

"I just spotted a small spider on my windowsill with distinctive black and white striped legs. What kind of spider is it?"

You’re most likely seeing a Zebra jumping spider. Learn more about this species and a few other potential options if you’ve spotted  a spider with black and white striped legs:

Zebra jumping spider (Salticus scenicus)

These small spiders are usually around ¼ to ⅓ of an inch in size with a compact, stocky body and those unmistakable black-and-white striped legs that give it its name. The body itself is dark with white markings, and like all jumping spiders, it has large forward-facing eyes that give it excellent vision.

Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax)

The bold jumping spider is a larger relative, reaching up to ¾ of an inch. It's predominantly black with white spots or bands on its abdomen and white-banded legs. One distinctive feature: its mouthparts often have an iridescent green or blue sheen.

Banded garden spider (Argiope trifasciata)

If the spider you spotted is larger and sitting in the middle of a web in your garden, it could be the banded garden spider. Females can reach up to 1 inch in body length and have striking yellow, white, and black banding across both their abdomen and legs.

Should you be concerned?

None of these three species is considered dangerous to people. If you're seeing spiders regularly around your home, inside or out, it can sometimes be a sign that other insects are present too. Our spider control services can help with identification, prevention, and removal.