This small jumping spider is about 1/4 inch long. It had caught a young nymph of some kind. It was identified with the help of a volunteer expert at BugGuide. Note how the pattern on its abdomen varies depending on the view. This is due to iridescent scales, which are shown above and especially below the white triangle in the close-up. These spiders do not spin a web, but they use silk drag lines when they jump to catch prey. Note the pair of eyes on the top of their head.
Because of their size, these jumping spiders are not often seen. Their abundance in our two nature centers is therefore not yet known.
These jumping spiders have some of the best eyes of all the spider species, which makes them also wary of approaching photographers. This one had caught prey and was thus not as mobile as it would have been otherwise.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.