A zebra spider is a jumping spider that is black, furry, and white-striped.
Specifically, the spider in question (Salticus scenius) belongs to the jumping (Salticidae family) part of the arachnid class within the animal kingdom. Females and males can be less than ¼ inch (6.35 millimeters) in length and width. They have no problems living in and near human-inhabited places and structures.
The spider you are describing sounds like a daring jumping spider (Phidippus audax). They are known for their black and furry bodies with white spots on their backs and white stripes on their legs. Daring jumping spiders are commonly found throughout North America.
A spider with a black, furry belly is likely to be wolf spider. These spiders often have hair all over, but it can be more noticeable on the belly.
a garden spider
Sounds like it might be what is called a"Daring Jumping Spider."
I believe it is a Jumping Spider (Family Salticidae). I just saw one on my porch and looked it up. I found a good picture on www.whatsthatbug.com/spiders4.html. I think I found an even closer likeness here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/common_spiders.pdf
A jumping spider such as the one you've described typically belong to the arachnid family called Salticidae. The particular one you've described sounds like it may be a Jotus auripes. The spiders in this family are not venomous. Without seeing the spider identification isn't certain, so you shouldn't try to handle the spider until positive identification can be made.
The spider you are describing is likely the bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax). These spiders are commonly found in Tennessee and are known for their black, fuzzy appearance with a distinctive white or orange heart-shaped marking on their backs. They are harmless to humans and are beneficial for controlling pest populations.
I think it's actually called the black & yellow garden spider.
Northern Black Widow, and it is most likely poisonous.
It sounds like the harmless "Daring jumping spider," Phidippus audax, which is commonly found all over the United States. This small spider is black and furry with a couple white spots on its back. Four of it's anterior eyes are very large and you should be able to see them without a magnifying glass. The spider also has emerald green pedipalps. Without a location it's very hard to tell exactly what it could be. If the spider is not furry at all, I suggest staying away from it if you live in a tropical area as it could be poisonous.
It sounds like you may have encountered a daring jumping spider. They are common in Michigan and are known for their distinctive white spot on their back. These spiders are relatively harmless and play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations in the area.
A spider monkey has furry skin.