Jumping spiders are a group of spiders named so because of their remarkable jumping capability. These arthropods are grouped with over 6000 species making it the largest family of spiders in the world.
Jumping spiders have four pairs of eyes and are recognized by their distinctive eye pattern. They are also known to have one of the best visions among spiders.
Predominantly found in the USA and Canada, jumping spiders have unique reproductive, diet, and hunting patterns. Their habitats range from tropical forests to scrublands and deserts. Some species of jumping spiders were even reported to be present on the slopes of Mount Everest!
These tiny creatures have been around for a long time. The oldest reported fossil of a jumping spider dates back to the Eocene epoch (~ 42-54 million years ago).
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Unique Characteristics of Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are renowned for their excellent vision. Equipped with four pairs of eyes, they have one of the best visual acuities among arthropods. Their forward-facing, large principal eyes give them a nearly 360-degree view.
This visual prowess, combined with their distinctive ability to jump long distances relative to their body size, sets them apart from other spider families. These traits aid in their hunting tactics and in avoiding predators.
What Do Jumping Spiders Look Like?
Jumping spiders are mainly black in color (and often mistaken for black widow spiders) but they can also be brown, tan, grey in color. These spiders have thicker, longer front legs and are short in stature (less than an inch).
Zebra spiders (members of the jumping spider family) have greyish bodies with white legs and abdomen. Their front four legs are larger than their four hind legs but they are not as conspicuous as crab legs.
Their abdomen might have some greyish rings resembling that of a spider. Female zebra spiders are a little larger in size than their male counterparts.
As stated before, jumping spiders have an excellent vision but their eyesight is poor beyond 45cm. In total, they have 8 eyes arranged in 3 rows of which 4 are in the middle row. The central pair of the middle row is the biggest.
Facts About Jumping Spiders
1. Jumping Spiders belong to a Big Family
Jumping spiders are a member of the Salticidae This family of spiders accounts for around 13% of all the spiders in the world. With over 600 genera and 6000 species, the Salticidae family is the largest spider family.
Their phylogenetic tree shows lynx spiders, sac spiders, crab spiders, and web-building spiders to be related.
2. They don’t have super legs
These spiders are notorious for their jumping skills, as they can jump up as far as 50 times their body length. However, this feat is not down to some huge, muscular spider legs but involves an intricate contraction-relaxation mechanism.
This change is achieved by contracting the muscles of the upper region of the body which makes their blood gush down to the lower region (in the legs) and causes the legs to extend.
This sudden contraction and extension fling them in the direction of their choice. These spiders even employ a ‘dragline’ technology that protects them if their huge jumps fail.
They tether a silk fragment to the surface on which it is standing before jumping. Upon failing the jump, they simply climb back up the silk fragment.
3. They don’t use webs to hunt
Instead of immobilizing their prey with webs, jumping spiders take advantage of their leaping and simply jump onto their prey.
After landing on their prey (usually small insects), they inject in some venom to finish the job. Most members of the Salticidae family are usually diurnal hunters and their eating habits vary from plant matter to larger prey’s (grasshoppers for example).
Many jumping spiders move about actively, pausing only temporarily to stalk their prey. They even scan their positions and surroundings before deciding to attack. However, members of the Phaeacius genus rarely stalk their prey before lunging towards anything that passes close to them.
Their diet is mainly carnivorous but some members of this spider family do prefer nectar and plant parts instead. Toxeus magnus is a special member of this spider family which feeds its offspring a milk-like liquid for its first 40 days.
4. They can be trained to jump on command
The jumping skills of these spiders were further exploited by researchers at the University of Manchester. The dynamics of their jumps were studied intensively so that scientists can implement the learnings to better the leaps of tiny robots.
A Phiddipus regius spider (nicknamed “Kim”) was used for the study and she was made to leap on command. Upon studying the videotapes of the jumps made by Kim, it was concluded that she favored slower trajectory jumps for close-range prey.
This is because the lower trajectory is much faster and results in a better chance of reaching the target. However, this leap causes a larger energy expenditure in these tiny spiders.
5. They have Amazing Eyesight
Jumping spiders have four pairs of eyes, of which 3 pairs are fixed and the central pair of two eyes are movable. These central eyes have remarkable vision and excellent resolution. This precision in the central eyes is required for estimating the range, size, direction, and nature of the prey they wish to pounce upon.
However, the field of vision is low (2-5 degrees). This is counterbalanced with the fixed, wide eyes which increase their range of visibility. They have a near 360-degree vision and some species can even discriminate between colors in the environment.
6. They can hear very well
Although jumping spiders do not have any tympanum or external ear, they perceive sound very well. It was found by researchers in 2016 that jumping spiders have numerous sensory hairs on their body which can pick up sound vibrations.
Further analysis showed the brain cells of these spiders getting excited and shooting signals to the brain whenever their sensory hairs perceive vibrations. Jumping spiders can hear up to 10 feet away.
7. Behavior and Hunting Techniques
Unlike other spiders that rely on webs for capturing prey, jumping spiders use their vision and agility to stalk and pounce on their prey, which includes insects and sometimes other spiders.
Their hunting strategy involves a careful approach followed by a sudden leap, secured by a silk tether for safety. This method is not just efficient but also a spectacle of precision and agility.
Furthermore, jumping spiders are known for their complex mating dances, which involve intricate movements and vibrant displays to attract mates.
8. Habitats and Distribution
Jumping spiders are incredibly adaptable and are found in a variety of environments across the globe. From tropical rainforests to desert regions, they have successfully colonized a wide range of habitats.
They are particularly abundant in tropical regions, where the diversity of species is highest. Despite their varying habitats, they all share a preference for sunny places where they can hunt and bask in the sun.
9. Adaptation and Survival Strategies
Jumping spiders have developed a range of adaptations that aid in their survival. Their jumping ability is not just for capturing prey but also a defensive mechanism to escape from threats.
Their vibrant colors, displayed in some species, can be a form of camouflage or a warning signal. Additionally, their silk is used not only for safety lines during jumps but also for shelter and protecting their eggs.
10 Conservation and Ecological Importance
Jumping spiders play a vital role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey. They help control insect populations and are a food source for larger animals.
While most jumping spider species are not endangered, habitat destruction and climate change pose threats to their populations. Understanding and conserving their natural habitats is crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Scientific Name and Family
- Scientific Name: Salticidae
- Family: Salticidae
Lower Classifications
Jumping spiders are a diverse group with over 600 genera and more than 6,000 species. Some well-known genera include:
- Phidippus: Known for their vibrant colors and large size.
- Salticus: Often found in gardens and meadows.
- Habronattus: Notable for their intricate courtship dances.
Diet of Jumping spiders:
Jumping spiders are carnivorous and primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods. Their diet includes:
- Flies
- Crickets
- Moths
- Beetles
- Aphids
They are active hunters, using their excellent vision to stalk and ambush their prey.
Habitat of Jumping spiders:
Jumping spiders can be found in a variety of habitats across the globe, including:
- Forests
- Grasslands
- Gardens
- Urban areas
- Deserts
They are adaptable and can thrive in both natural and man-made environments.
How to take Jumping spiders Care
Keeping a jumping spider as a pet requires some basic care:
- Enclosure: A small terrarium with a secure lid. Ensure good ventilation.
- Substrate: Use soil, coconut fiber, or peat moss.
- Decor: Add branches, leaves, and hiding spots.
- Feeding: Provide a diet of small insects like fruit flies or small crickets.
- Water: Mist the enclosure lightly to maintain humidity and provide water droplets.
Lifespan of Jumping spiders:
Jumping spiders have a relatively short lifespan, typically living for about 1-2 years. Males often have a shorter lifespan than females.
Jumping spiders Size and Weight
Jumping spiders are generally small:
- Size: 4 to 18 millimeters in body length.
- Weight: Less than 1 gram.
Jumping spiders Safety and Behavior
Are Jumping Spiders Safe?
Jumping spiders are generally safe for humans. They are not aggressive and rarely bite. If they do bite, it is usually in self-defense and their venom is not harmful to humans.
Harmful or Not?
Jumping spiders are not harmful to humans. Their bites are rare and typically result in minor irritation similar to a mosquito bite.
Aggressive Behavior
Jumping spiders are not aggressive. They prefer to avoid confrontation and will jump away if threatened. They are curious creatures and may approach humans out of curiosity rather than aggression.
Popularity of Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are popular for several reasons:
- Unique Appearance: Their large eyes and expressive faces make them endearing.
- Incredible Agility: Their jumping abilities are fascinating to watch.
- Curious Nature: They often display curious behavior, making them interesting pets.
- Ease of Care: They are relatively easy to care for as pets.
Jumping spiders Jumping Abilities
Jumping spiders are known for their impressive jumping abilities. They can jump up to 50 times their body length, which they use to pounce on prey or escape threats.
Why Are Jumping Spiders So Cute?
Jumping spiders are often considered cute due to:
- Large, Forward-Facing Eyes: These give them a “puppy dog” look.
- Expressive Faces: Their facial expressions can appear endearing.
- Small Size and Delicate Movements: These add to their charm.
Additional Details
Vision
Jumping spiders have excellent vision. They have four pairs of eyes, with the two large central eyes providing binocular vision and depth perception, which is crucial for their hunting and jumping abilities.
Communication
Jumping spiders communicate through visual signals, body movements, and vibrations. Males often perform elaborate courtship dances to attract females.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in silken sacs, which they guard until the spiderlings hatch. After hatching, the young spiders disperse to begin their independent lives.
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Final Words
These jumping spiders are unique and fascinating in every sense. Not only the stated features but their other features too, make us marvel at the wonderful creation of the animal kingdom.
Instead of thinking of spiders to be malicious and harmful to mankind, we should try and develop a different perspective towards these arthropods and look at them from the viewpoint of a zoologist to learn and understand nature more.
