Phidippus apacheanus, commonly known as the Apache Jumping Spider, is one of the most striking members of the North American Salticidae. Its vivid orange‑red abdomen, contrasting black legs, and metallic green chelicerae make it instantly recognisable, and its bold coloration is widely interpreted as a form of velvet‑ant mimicry. This resemblance to Dasymutilla spp. likely offers a degree of protection, as velvet ants are notoriously painful to predators. The species’ appearance varies slightly across its range, but the fiery abdominal colour is a consistent hallmark.
 
In the wild, P. apacheanus inhabits arid and semi‑arid environments, including desert scrub, grasslands, and open fields. It is commonly found on shrubs, cacti, and low vegetation where it hunts visually, relying on the exceptional eyesight typical of jumping spiders. Its range spans much of the southwestern United States, extending into Mexico and even parts of Cuba, with populations often occurring at elevations between 500 and 1800 metres. These habitats shape its behaviour: it is sun‑loving, active, and highly responsive to movement.
 
Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Females can reach 20–22 mm, making them impressively large for a jumping spider, while males are significantly smaller and more slender, sometimes only 3–5 mm. Courtship is a lively affair, with males performing a zig‑zagging dance, raising their forelegs and vibrating their abdomen in an attempt to impress the female. Like other Phidippus species, they are curious, alert, and often display a level of boldness that endears them to keepers.