[3] Coloration is determined by various scales (modified setae) covering a brown or black integument.

[4] Several common species have a dorsal pattern of black narrow scales and white granular scales arranged in transverse stripes, especially on the abdomen, from which the common name “zebra spiders” originates, e.g. Holarctic Salticus scenicus (Clerck, 1757).

Some lack the “zebra” stripes completely and have both dorsal abdomen and cephalothorax covered with iridescent scales, e.g. Salticus peckhamae (Cockerell, 1897).

They are often found on vertical surfaces including man-made structures such as walls and fences or natural such as tree trunks.

Two areas with high species diversity are the Southwestern portion of the United States (into Mexico) and the Mediterranean.