Sometimes my favorite bug finds are those I least expect. I was driving home from school and this adorable Jumping Spider in the family Salticidae was just hoping along on my dashboard! Luckily for me, I had a little bug-catching container right in my purse on the passenger seat. I scooped her up and brought her home for a photo. I am rather proud of myself because I believe I correctly identified her as a Black Jumper in the genus Sassacus. Here is a very close match and better photo on bugguide.
“I saved this spider from my sister, who asked me to eradicate it. I decidedly transported it outside in an overturned shot glass upon a paper towel. Do you have any idea what kind it is?”- lifethroughgeologicaltime
Hi Jumpers can be tough but I found a close match on bugguide, genus Platycryptus, but I’m not 100% convinced. Maybe Toby will help!
“This little guy caught my eye because of his bright green chelicerae, after a little research, I think he might be a Phidippus audax, a daring jumping spider. What do you think?”-lifethroughgeologicaltime
I think I agree! These guys are too cute!
Toby to the rescue! Here is a better photo of my Jumping Spider, from bugguide.net, who has now been properly identified as a male Metaphidappus manni
Love his little “mustached” face!
I found this Jumping Spider with a white face and black body. Anyone recognize the genus? He was small.
Hehe..he looks like an old man with a white mustache!
I didn’t notice the cool pattern on this Jumping Spider until I uploaded the photo. Anyone know the genus?
My lovely friend Tamara has shared more amazing macro with us. See the incredible photos here!
Another Flower Crab Spider I caught in the middle of its lunch- (unfortunately) a little jumping spider. These really are beautiful animals, even if you don’t like spiders, it must be hard to argue that.
Itty bitty Jumping Spider on a cactus flower of sorts outside my house. He was too jumpy to get a decent photo of..
