Jumping Spider

Introduction to Jumping Spiders

Yeah, we understand the reputation spiders have earned given their obvious, scary look with horrifying eyes. But, when we tell you that jumping spiders don’t deserve the scorn which is thrown at them, then we aren’t wrong. Jumping spiders are exceptionally cuddly, fascinating, and cute creatures. There are several ways in which this particular species of spider is unique. So, get ready to learn all about the hippity-hoppity spiders.

Identification of the Jumping Spider

The jumping spiders are around 500 different genera and more than 5,000 species. The type of spiders we are about to talk about doesn’t scare easily, but they sure can jump which frightens several people. Not knowing where the spider is about to land after its jump is truly terrifying to some extent.

Jumping spiders are basically 4mm – 12mm in size; that is they lie somewhere between small to moderate with a fuzzy appearance. The area which contains the head and the legs – cephalothorax isn’t wide but longer whereas the abdomen varies from being quite elongate to having a rounded shape. Amidst the jumping spiders lie some boldly patterned, brightly colored. The general coloration is gray, brown, or black, whereas bright orange or red species can also be found in different regions.

The commonly encountered species of jumping spiders have bright patches which can be red, yellow, green, copper, gold, silver, or metallic blues. In the male jumping spiders, coloration and patterning is striking. There is a huge difference in the appearance of this particular spider throughout the different stages of its life and also in its sexes. Patterning also varies in the species. Keep it in mind that all jumping spiders don’t have gaudy markings on their body.

A few species blend very well with grass or bark while the others simply mimic ants or beetles. The distinctive eye pattern of the jumping spiders is extremely distinctive. The eight eyes of the jumping spider can be in either three or four rows. However, the anterior median eyed or the front pair are directed forward and enormous.

Distribution

There are several places which jumping spiders happily announce as home. This includes every type of grasslands, forests, as well as mountain locations.

Behavior

The ability of the spider to jump up to fifty times more than its size is truly impressive. They make the most of a rope of silk which it produces from its bodies to do so. This enables them to use their limbs and the hydraulic movements of it, despite not having any muscles in the body. However, they do stop every now and then in order to readjust their blood pressure.

The jumping spiders are extremely curious by nature. This means when a person stretches out their hand, it will leap. They can even jump in the backward direction to create enough distance with the object it is terrified of.

What Do Jumping Spiders Eat?

If you notice jumping spiders closely, you will understand they are quite active during the day. The presence of food resources determines when it will be active. Jumping Spiders don’t create any web like the other spiders, but they are extremely active hunters. All they do is sit around, wait, and then approach their prey. They take quite some time to track their prey and then proceeds forward with a strategy. The element of surprise (their ability to jump) works in their favor, which helps them to pounce on their prey. It can also inflict a venomous bite very fast.

Jumping Spiders are known to consume a wide variety of bugs, insects, and different types of other spiders. Nectar and pollen are also preferred choices for jumping spiders to eat.

What Are The Signs Of Infestation Of Jumping Spiders?

Spiders are truly sneaky little buggers which can have their nest anywhere in your walls, or you can come across them running across your countertop or the floor of your house. The most common sign of spider infestation is their presence in your home. If you come across even a few spiders in your house, don’t brush off the possibility that there are more.

Jumping Spiders like to remain hidden and watch their prey from a distance. Their ability to multiply is high. Spiders, especially the species of jumping spiders will go anywhere they can find a trace of food. And, food for them is other pests. In case you come across a lot of spiders in your home, be assured that there is a hidden source of food present for them.

However, jumping spiders are rarely found within the confinement of a house. They enjoy the outdoors way too much to be present indoors. But, if spiders have made your home their own, a good thorough cleaning will clear a lot of them. Try to keep your home free from any clutter and if they still seem to be a problem call experts to handle it. In case you come across jumping spiders then we have a few ways you can deal with them.

How Can You Get Rid Of Jumping Spiders?

We get it, sharing your personal space with eerie, several eyed, crawling, and jumping species of spider is way too much. Though spiders are the best way to get rid of insects and flies – it isn’t possible to welcome them to your own home. Jumping Spiders pose absolutely no threat to humans. They tend to run away or in their case – jump away from possible threat is real. Jumping spiders do possess fangs and can bite too. But, these bites don’t pose any threat to humans; still, they shouldn’t be around older people, toddlers, and babies which makes it all the more mandatory. For shelter and food, jumping spiders start living in your garden, especially during the winter or rainy season they start searching for warmth.

Ways you can fend your home from jumping spiders:

The use of simple home remedies will help you repel spiders. Tidiness and cleanliness go a long way to keep jumping spiders at bay. But, if you have kept your house tidy and are still facing the problem of these crawling pests, then it is time to learn the simple and effective home remedies.

• Vinegar Spray: Combine water (two cups) with vinegar (one cup) and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it directly on all the entry points that is ventilation, doors, and windows.
• Liquid Dish Soap: This effective form of home remedy will efficiently remove the presence of all spiders. Use lime-scented, liquid dishwashing soap. Mix this with water and spray around your kitchen tools and appliances. A few drops of the liquid dish soap and water in a spray jar can be used on plants too. This will disrupt the process of spiders laying eggs in plants.
• Tea Tree Oil: Combine white vinegar and tea tree oil together. Now, use this to spray in your wardrobe as well as other areas. The aroma that tea tree oil and vinegar has disturbs every spider.
• Lavender Oil: If you are looking for an amazing spider repellent, then there is nothing better than lavender oil. All you have to do is sprinkle some of this oil on the areas that are under the attack of spiders. All you have to do is fill a vase with water, add a few drops of lavender, and then place fresh flowers in it. This will scare away all the jumping spiders.
• Peppermint Oil: Another amazing way to ward off all the spiders is peppermint oil. This is true for every species of spider including the jumping spiders. Peppermint has an extremely powerful smell which will keep spider infestation under check.

Apart from all of these incredible ways to shoo away spiders, there is another method you can try. Make the most of scented candles, not only for the purpose of decorating your home but also for preventing the attack of spiders. Use lime, citronella, and lavender.

Pictures

Collection of Pictures of Jumping spiders:

Fun Facts About Jumping Spiders

These little leapers have earned their name not because they enjoy hopping around. The use of their legs for pouncing on their prey is the reason they put their powers to use. Check out some of the fun facts about jumping spiders.

1. They are a part of a huge family. Jumping Spiders belong to the Salticidae family. Though more species of jumping spiders are being discovered, currently there are around 5800 of them.
2. Here, there everywhere. This holds true for jumping spiders. No matter what the condition of a geographical location, jumping spiders can be found there.
3. They don’t have any kind of muscular legs. The jumping spiders rely on their blood flow and segmented legs to make such crazy jumps.
4. The jumping spiders have no need for webs to hunt. They use their ability to jump on instinct.

This is all there is to know about this awesome creature. Are you fascinated enough, or they still terrify you?