My friend Chris found this spider in his house. We have searched everywhere and can not figure it out. We are thinking a jumping spider of some sort but we can not find a picture that matches exactly. It is shiny and black with a small orange spot on its back (idk what it looks like underneath), It seems to be bigger on one end than the other. In the picture it has a broken leg :-(
Yes, a Jumping spider. They are much fun to watch. They watch us in return. And they're harmless.
Might be Phidippus audax, known as the bold or daring jumper - http://www.spiders.us/image/phidippus-audax-17/
Individuals of this species can vary widely in color pattern.
Thank you so much! We have never seen one before. He was worried it might be harmful. Eased our minds.
