Pretty little thing

[trelobita]

Yesterday, I caught this pretty little guy in a glass cup, and Martin was able to get a pretty good shot of his cute face.  It's a Daring Jumper, a Phidippus audax.  The males and females look similar, but I'm pretty sure this one is male. The iridescent blue/green of his chelicerae is so striking!

I love, love, love jumping spiders! :-D  They have the best vision of almost any arthropod, and this species in particular possesses a degree of curiosity and intelligence.  When most spiders flee for cover, this guy will linger and watch. They can learn routines and solve problems too.  Some people even say that they make great pets and can become pretty friendly.  Based on how this little fellow was acting, I don't find that hard to believe. 

Comments

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

This is a terrific picture and thank you for that impromptu lesson on spiders!

Oh no, are you feeling sick?

[trellia-chan.livejournal.com]

^_^ I really do like spiders, and jumpers are favorites. Who would have thought that they could be so cute. Someone even posted a video on Youtube of a jumper chasing a laser pointer, just like a tiny eight-legged kitten. X-D

Yeah... cold or seasonal allergies or something. Sneezing, runny eyes and nose, coughing, and sore throat. Not fun, but I'll take this over the other recent stuff! At least I can still work!