A black spider with a white stripe down its back is often identified as the White-Backed Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) or Bold Jumping Spider. This spider is common in North America and is known for its distinctive appearance and active hunting behavior.
Here are a few key features of this spider:
- Appearance: It has a black body with a prominent white or silvery stripe on its back. The abdomen may also feature small white spots.
- Behavior: Bold Jumping Spiders are active hunters and don’t rely on webs to catch prey. Instead, they leap onto their prey using their excellent vision and agility.
- Venom: While they can bite if threatened, their venom is not dangerous to humans, causing only mild irritation in rare cases.
If you encounter one, there’s no need to worry—they’re more curious than harmful and can even help control pests in your home or garden.