Jumping spiders are daytime hunters. The ones that I have come across were certainly very active, always seeming to be in a hurry, always moving quickly. The only time I get to shoot them is when they stop to look at me for a few seconds. (Such curious little creatures!) Some were so quick, I only managed butt shots as they hurried away.
This one looked at me so fast, I didn't even have time to squeeze off a head-on shot. I managed 4 shots before it jumped and only 2 of those were not blurry. One of them is this one. Isn't he handsome? He even has two tiny "horns" on the sides of his head! So cool! XD
Compared to most other types of spider, a jumping spider has relatively short legs. It relies on its two pairs of rear legs for jumping. Jumping spiders can jump 20-50 times their body length. They are usually so fast, you won't be able to see them jump. It's a case of "Hey, it was here a nanosecond ago! Where did it go?"
Yesterday, it happened to me again. I was shooting a tiny orange colored jumping spider when it leapt. One moment he was there on my viewfinder, and the next he was gone! First thing I checked was my lens, then my shirt and jeans, and then the leaves around the one he was on. But he was nowhere to be found.
There is a larger version of this shot if you'd like to see it. 8)
I love it and reading what you wrote. The mean part of me wants to read it to my husband but it would give him nightmares so I won't. I still have to rescue the spiders everytime one ventures in his shower, after he screams like a girl, they end up smashed unless I move fast.
I love this little fella - it kinda looks like he's wearing goggles - and with the mini horns he only needs a mini cape and he'd look like some kind of superhero (not spiderman lol) - great capture!
Hahahaha, did I just hear you use "handsome" on a spider?? Uh oh! Well, I don't think anyone else could make him look, and feel, so special; great shot!!!
Just a beautiful shot and composition! Excellent details per your usual work, gal! More fascinating info and insight into the life of the jumping spiders, too!
He's a beauty; he looks like he's gazing upwards at you. I had to laugh at your narrative. I can just imagine you coming in from the garden with your clothes full of spiders.
Another great one - such amazing detail :)
Now seriously, when you see the little guys through the viewfinder, and then you don't... aren't you just a little worried that it jumped on you or in your clothes? Especially if, like what happened before, you can't find him... Do they bite?
Stunning clarity ... you've really managed to show us the "cute" side of these guys! I never liked spiders, but now they somehow appear charming and almost friendly. Well .... almost. :)
@pjonas These jumping spiders are so tiny—even smaller than the nail on my littlest finger—that I don't worry about their jumping on me. Jumping spiders do bite but they are unlikely to, unless they feel provoked. I never try to prod or touch them. Most of the time, they're just curious, I don't think they see me as a threat. 8) Other spiders that are not jumping spiders, especially the long-legged, web-spinning, bigger ones, I don't even try to shoot. They're scary to me even though they don't jump. XD
@sebella It's a matter of luck whether I see them or not. I go to the mangrove forest or park to look for them. They're usually under the leaves of trees, in the bushes or grass. They're tiny, so they're hard to spot. Sometimes I see none, sometimes I see two different ones if I'm lucky! But they're also very fast, so I don't usually get more than a handful of shots. ( And then I find myself praying that at least one of those shots is non-blurry so that I can add it to my project! XD )
@myautofocuslife - okay... as long as you're not sacrificing life and limb for 365 :)
I really do love your narratives and spider teachings. I think we should call you "The Spider Whisperer!"
Your detail is amazing, he is teaching you new skills though, soon you be the faster shooter in the East :0) That only works if my geography is correct!
Love the composition with this shot - love the rendering of the background as well. I have said it before - but I think it bears repeating - these are the weirdest spidery things I have ever seen! Great capture as always Livia!
LOL They do just disappear. I think you saw the one where one got on my camera bag on the ground, and i was shooting him. Then he disappeared. Hee hee. I love this guy's horns!
You even caught the reflection in his eyes - wonderful. I hope you do not mind that I say "Amazing" to all of your pictures :-). Loved the facts about how far they can jump.
A great, big, hyperactive, speedy and jumpy "THANK YOU!" to everyone for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by and leave a comment! So glad you're enjoying the series. A few more days of fun, and then we move on. But I'm not going to stop shooting spiders when I see them. This addiction is strong! XD
Again, thank you so much! I am grateful for your encouragement. 8)
Have to fav this one. You captured its essense perfectly. Beautiful clarity, composition, pov, lighting, color. Love the detail. He has such a great look to him. Almost like he has a beard. The ZZ Top of spiders.
Nice macro btw
( and you nice comments on my pic. )
Now seriously, when you see the little guys through the viewfinder, and then you don't... aren't you just a little worried that it jumped on you or in your clothes? Especially if, like what happened before, you can't find him... Do they bite?
this is another great spider shot Livia!
@sebella It's a matter of luck whether I see them or not. I go to the mangrove forest or park to look for them. They're usually under the leaves of trees, in the bushes or grass. They're tiny, so they're hard to spot. Sometimes I see none, sometimes I see two different ones if I'm lucky! But they're also very fast, so I don't usually get more than a handful of shots. ( And then I find myself praying that at least one of those shots is non-blurry so that I can add it to my project! XD )
I really do love your narratives and spider teachings. I think we should call you "The Spider Whisperer!"
Again, thank you so much! I am grateful for your encouragement. 8)