What is the regal jumping spider?

The regal jumping spider, also known as Phidippus regius, is a member of the Salticidae family named for its incredible jumping ability. Despite reaching an average of just 12 to 15 millimeters in size, the spider is the largest jumping spider in North America.

According to the University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology, the regal jumping spider is found throughout the southeastern United States, the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles, though it is most commonly seen in Florida. The spider typically bears an alternating pattern of black and white, with females being slightly larger than males. The arachnid features a unique arrangement of eight eyes in rows of four, two and two.