Did you know that jumping spiders keep themselves clean? Sometimes you can see them cleaning their fangs and eyes!
That is what this little guy was doing when I spotted him in the mangrove forest, sitting atop a leaf. In my shot, you can see that he has one front leg and one (lighter-colored) palp raised. He was cleaning his fangs!
A spider cleaning itself using its palps moves much like a cat cleaning itself. I found this video of another jumping spider cleaning his eyes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholas_m/3604951139/ I was so tickled to see it. It's the cutest thing!
But I guess it's all a matter of perspective. Heh. When The Kid found me watching the video and giggling to myself, and then heard me say, "Oh my goodness, look at that, it's sooooo cute!" he started shaking his head at me. As if his mother had finally lost all of her few remaining marbles. 8P
I believe the little guy in my shot is a Phintella jumping spider. At only 6mm (0.2in), he was tiny, with awesome metallic colors and striking black stripes over his body and legs! His palps are a significantly lighter color. Spider palps are used during mating to transfer sperm to the female spider.
Isn't he adorable, with his shimmery disco colors and big round eyes? Do view the larger version if you'll like to see more details. 8)
I can't believe I'm saying this, but... yes! This little dude is really cute! Amazing shot and the detail is incredible!
Not sure why, but... when I look at him I think of Sponge Bob Square Pants :)
@yonnie He definitely has more than 4 eyes. You can't see his other eyes from this perspective. If you refer to the spider shot I had uploaded yesterday, you'll be able to see how all 8 eyes are positioned, and understand why you can't see all of them from certain angles. 8)
He is pretty! This photo is awesome enlarged so you can really see him! I have seen them primping too! I got a shot of a grasshopper cleaning his eye....it is weird to see them rub all over it! My jumping spider from other day had a pretty green metallic back...I wonder what he was? Since I knew jumping spider, I stopped there with the identification...
I'm still amazed how close you can get to these spiders without them running away! I can't seem to get close to them - any vibration sets them off. Fav for me - love those eyes and your info. :)
I love the cup effect of the leaf, after reading your story, I now think the little fella was having a bath; cute shot;
Glad you liked the remainder window shots, next time I do a collage I will check what size it saves as, thanks for the tip Honey:0)
Wow - I'm loving spider week :) I have to say, when the little guy in the video started cleaning his eyes, I said "awwww, so cute" - never never have I said that about a spider! Cool shot Livia!
Very cool, cute shot :) I think he's got his eyes (all of them) on you :) Nice job capturing his interesting colours too (and thanks for the info about them - fascinating little critters!)
FAV! He is so adorable (never thought I'd say that about a spider) and such interesting details. Now you have me on a spider hunt....LOL! Fabulous capture!
lol! I like the way you describe him and I learn a lot about jumping spider through your series. I never thought spider could be so cute! Wonderful wonderful macro shot Livia :D
A great, big, metallic and cool, bright and clean "THANK YOU!" to all! Thank you so much for visiting! It makes me glad to know you've enjoyed seeing this little guy. Shooting him was a memorable experience because he was not spooked by the presence of my camera at all. He just did as he pleased and I just hit the shutter button every time I think he's being cute. Heh.
Again, thank you very much! Your constant support means so much to me.
Not sure why, but... when I look at him I think of Sponge Bob Square Pants :)
Glad you liked the remainder window shots, next time I do a collage I will check what size it saves as, thanks for the tip Honey:0)
another brilliant shot!
Again, thank you very much! Your constant support means so much to me.