Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Weird Bug

The Jumping Spider (Metacyrba genus)


Jumping spiders, all of which are in the family Salticidae, are among the most interesting spider groups to watch. Jumping spiders come in many sizes and color patterns. Active hunters during the day, they have good eyesight, relying primarily on movement to locate prey. They stalk their prey before attacking in a fast leap. Jumping spiders put out a line of webbing when they jump and can sometimes be seen dangling from this silken dragline after a leap that fails.
Many jumping spiders are bold, stocky and often brightly colored. They often have conspicuous bands of black and white on their bodies or legs. Others have velvety red abdomens and some even have metallic colors on the chelicerae. Jumping spiders have eight eyes, with one large pair in the front. Like most spiders, jumping spiders are not considered hazardous to humans and are unlikely to bite unless cornered or handled.

My son found this little guy dangling from his hair! He was tiny, about 4mm long. The reason I knew he was a jumping spider was because while I was photographing him, he leaped at the camera! I've seen lots of black and white, hairy jumping spiders, (and been bitten by one!) but never one like this.

My hubby went back offshore and will be gone a month this time. I'm working a little, but I've only been doing what I have to do. I'm burned out right now, but I think it's just the heat in the shop. I don't want to work!

5 comments:

Jaime/GirlLovesGloss said...

*shivers* - not such a big fan of spiders here lol.

And when I say not such a big fan, I mean completely terrified lol

Willow Branch said...

Not afrais of spiders, but I don't dig the jumping kind. Also not crazy about camel crickets. Do y'all have those?

Pam

Tammy's Treasure Chest said...

I'm scared of spiders, too, but not as much as I used to be.

We have Mole crickets, but I don't know if they are the same. I don't like them, anyway! :)

Barrie said...

Good grief! From one creepy bug to the next! LOL Spiders are NOT my favorite, but I've been able to get past the heart-stopping panic, and now try to ignore them as best I can. However, if they come inside and I see them, they're toast - if they get in my car and I see them, they're toast - if they touch me, they're toast. Get the picture!? LOL Can't blame you for being burnt out - and of course the heat sure doesn't help, does it? I started my studio remodel yesterday and it already looks so much better! I'm off in a minute to pick up some new storage units/bookcases etc. Wheeeee!! Got my fingers crossed this might kick start the creativity again! :)

Shuku said...

Jumping spiders! I like all the bugs you've been finding! Not that I'm particularly fond of them, but some are just fascinating to look at (especially that stick bug.)

*hugs* I know what you mean about 'just doing what you have to' for the jewellery. It's the same here. Am trying to -force- myself to work and it's backfiring.