Jumping Spider

by Jacki
(Grand Forks, B.C. Canada)

These little spiders seem to have a sense of humour - this one spent about ten minutes investigating me, my book and the arm of the chair, and easily jumped over a dog hair placed in front of him. I know it's a 'him' from the palps in front - they're not fangs, but a certain part that is essential for reproduction.

Jumping spiders come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Many are brightly striped with black, white and red. This one had an attractive dark brown blotch on its back. They do spin webs, but mostly just drag lines to get from one place to another, not to catch insects. With their speed and agility, they can run down their prey on foot.

They always seem to be 'on'; their stance is like a coiled spring, with legs underneath them, ready at a moments notice for action.

This one was about 4mm long - not very big for this giant world!