Web-spinning, long-legged, black and brown spiders with bloated abdomens look creepy to me. I can't shoot those because I can't bring myself to get close to them. Jumping spiders, on the other hand, are tiny and short-legged and come in all sorts of colors, which make them even cuter! The ones I find in the mangrove forest usually sport two to three different colors at once. These hues often have a metallic sheen to them, so that the spider looks as if it had been generously powdered with gold dust. One example is the spider in this shot: http://365project.org/myautofocuslife/365/2012-07-03
Now, this little guy you see here was my first orange jumping spider! Orange happens to be my favorite color, so I was stoked to see him. He was a mellow orange, and the color was shimmery on his head. In the morning light, I thought he looked gorgeous. He was also the smallest jumping spider I've ever shot at barely 4mm (0.15in).
Yes, he was holding something in his jaws. I think it was his breakfast. Or what remained of it. XD
Male jumping spiders tend to be more colorful than the females. Their colors make them more attractive, and they will dance during courtship to further impress their potential mates. There is a jumping spider called the peacock spider and he is well named! Here's why: http://green-buzz.net/environment/jumping-peacock-spider-dancing-for-a-mate/ While you're there, take a look at the second photo showing the relative size of a jumping spider on a fingernail. Yes, that's how tiny one usually is!
I cannot believe you caught him with that "whatever" in his mouth! Argh. I loved the photos on the link you posted....They are tiny.I am sure you know they can get down to about 2 mm across...just like a pinhead....amazing. This is a great jump jump here in your pic!
Tremendous shot! I don't like most spiders but also think the jumping spiders are cute. We don't have colorful ones here - just black ones. This is a cool shot - Fav.
i hope he didn't eat something that was bigger than him. i'm giddy looking at your spiders and your obvious love affair with them. can't wait for tomorrow's post :-)
I'd love to see that mating dance ..it must be hilarious!! I don't think that I'd like the same meal that this guy has, but he looks like he's happy with his catch! Fantastic capture, Livia.
You are definitely THE spider photographer! You get amazing captures and provide such great info. I am *almost* now able to view your spiders without a shiver.
Haha he is cute!! Did you join him for breakfast? Haha. At first I thought it was his tongue sticking out. I told my students about why certain male creatures are more colorful they all went "ewwwwww!" to me haha. Great capture. Your photos are quite brilliant ;)
At first thought he had a big tongue until I read your comments. As always a fantastic close up and great commentary. I have learned a lot. Thanks for sharing.
This is another awesome shot of the jumping spiders Livia! I always fav your shots but i dont ever see them on the P.P....do these amazing spiders jump to the P.P. ever? Because i think all of them should! :)..Fav!
@ellimae *LOL* I think spiders count as an un-beautiful and unpopular subject. Anyway, I rarely make the PP anymore, spider shots or not, and I don't care. I will shoot what I want to shoot, whatever it is that makes me happy, I don't care about the PP and what other people think I should be shooting. Or not. I don't aspire to be a photographer. I'm just a housewife with a small camera... who likes jumping spiders. 8)
@wannabe@bluefirebucket I have no idea what his breakfast was, I don't even see any legs or wings! Probably an insect though. Jumping spiders are generally carnivorous. 8)
Another great shot, Livia! I'm wondering what something that small can eat! Whatever is in its mouth looks pretty big compared to its mouth. I'd never heard of jumping spiders until you started posting these photos, so I've probably never heard of the insect that's in it's mouth! :)
I feel like I should be able to earn some course credits when I view & read your posts! You put a lot of information into them. You are such a brave, brave soul! Your shots are wonderful too! Never thought I would say that about bugs & spiders - but it is a whole new world for a photographer
A great, big, warm and orange and cheerful "THANK YOU!" to everyone for taking the time to stop by! I am grateful for your comments, and I appreciate your encouragement. Thank you for your kindness!
another great shot! you are a master of the jumping spider photo! This one looks like he is really posing for you! (You are the jumping spider whisperer!) Love that peacock spider - especially the "paws" on the one on the fingernail. So cute! The one I saw, when he spread his legs out, was about the size of a dime, and he had a cute little strawberry butt.
Thank you for you so nice answer/comment