Jumping Spiders in California: A Field Guide to the Tiny Leapers
California, with its diverse landscapes, is home to a fascinating array of jumping spiders. These miniature arachnids are known for their incredible jumping abilities, keen eyesight, and distinctive hunting behaviors. Let's explore some of the most common and intriguing jumping spider species found in the Golden State.
1. The Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus):
This small spider is easily recognizable by its black and white striped abdomen, resembling the stripes of a zebra. Zebra jumping spiders are commonly found in urban and suburban areas, particularly on walls and fences. They are active hunters, using their keen eyesight to spot prey from a distance.
2. The Daring Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax):
The daring jumping spider is one of the largest and most aggressive jumping spider species in California. It has a robust build and a bright green or bronze-colored carapace. These spiders are fearless predators, often venturing out into the open to hunt larger insects.
3. The Gray Wall Jumper (Metaphidippus californicus):
As the name suggests, the gray wall jumper is frequently found on walls and other vertical surfaces. It is a medium-sized spider with a gray or brown coloration. Gray wall jumpers are excellent jumpers and can leap several times their body length to capture prey.
4. The Hawaiian Happy Face Spider (Theridion grallator):
Although native to Hawaii, the Hawaiian happy face spider has been introduced to California and other parts of the world. It is a small spider with a distinctive yellow and black facial marking that resembles a smiley face. Hawaiian happy face spiders are harmless to humans and are often found in gardens and other outdoor areas.
5. The Ant-Mimicking Jumping Spider (Myrmarachne formicaria):
This fascinating spider has evolved to mimic the appearance and behavior of ants. It has a slender body, long legs, and a raised abdomen that resembles an ant's head and thorax. Ant-mimicking jumping spiders use their disguise to avoid predators and to sneak up on unsuspecting prey.
Jumping Spider FAQs:
How to attract jumping spiders to your garden:
- Plant a variety of flowering plants to attract pollinating insects, which will serve as food for jumping spiders.
- Provide hiding places for jumping spiders, such as small piles of wood or rocks.
- Avoid using pesticides that could harm beneficial insects like jumping spiders.
How to identify a jumping spider:
- Jumping spiders have eight eyes, arranged in three pairs on the front of the head and one pair on the top.
- They are excellent jumpers and can leap several times their body length.
- Most jumping spiders have a distinctive hunting posture, with their front legs raised and their eyes focused on potential prey.
How to tell the difference between a male and female jumping spider:
- Male jumping spiders are often smaller than females and may have more colorful markings or appendages.
- Females may have larger abdomens to accommodate eggs.
How to safely handle a jumping spider:
- Jumping spiders are harmless to humans and are not known to bite unless provoked.
- If you need to handle a jumping spider, use a soft-tipped brush or tweezers to gently pick it up.
How to take care of a jumping spider as a pet:
- Jumping spiders can be kept as pets in a small enclosure with a variety of plants and hiding places.
- They require a diet of small insects, such as flies or crickets.
- Provide a source of fresh water and keep the enclosure clean and humid.