Marvelling at the Eyes of a Jumping Spider

The Jumping Spider‘s (Salticidae) anterior median eyes are one of the largest amongst all other spiders, possibly with the exception of the Ogre-Faced Spider. However, if we were to measure the size of the eyes with respect to the body, the Jumping Spider stands clearly on top of the list.

A typical Jumping Spider would have 2 big Anterior Median Eyes (AME) in the center of the face, with 2 smaller ones at the side of the face (A). 2 equally small ones (B) would be at the top the carapace to cover the rear vision and finally, a last pair just in front of them (C). Yes, total of 8 eyes. =D This is illustrated in #1 below.

The AMEs have high visual acuity but a very narrow field of vision. They are long and tubular, and can only have a narrow field of vision. It is able to look around by moving the retina within the carapace – that is why we can spot jumping spiders with colours of their AMEs changing. When the colour is at it’s darkest, the spider is looking straight at you.

#1 Position of the eyes of a Jumping Spider.

#2 The eyes (AME) of the jumping spider are most beautiful when captured straight on. Of course, this may be subjective, but it is my favorite angle. 🙂

#3 A wider view. If you could squint and look closer, you might see my hand in the reflection of the eyes.

#4 Cropped view of the above. See my fingers? I was trying to block the focusing light.

#4 Lovely details on the jumping spider

#5 Very colourful jumping spider (Siler sp.)

#6 Yet another cute fella

#7 From the looks of this picture, this Jumping Spider is not looking at the camera. Otherwise, the AMEs would be almost black.

#8 Epeus flavobilineatus guarding her eggs

#9 A broader head, but just as cute!

#10 Some have punk-like hairdos

#11 While others have a very black face, like this Pystira ephippigera

#12 Most of them tend to look up as you approach them

#13 They come in lots of beautiful colours too!

#14 Most are just as curious, like this Portia labiata

#15 Some look super duper adorable

#16 The hair on top of the carapace is almost always crooked. lol

#17 Some have really oversized jaws

#18 Some grow over 15mm long, like this Heavy Jumper

#19 Some have long, slender legs

#20 Some were found to be doing yoga

#21 And more often than not, they appear really shy. lol

Just a quick collection of jumping spiders here, hope you enjoyed them. 🙂 Now for the usual finds….!

#22 Brown huntsman spider with a captured katydid. 69 position?!?!

#23 Front view

#24 Victor found this Lynx spider with a fresh brood of spiderlings

#25 Mama looking on her little baby

#26 Closer look at the spiderlings

#27 How to look after so many kids?!

#28 Mama got busy and captured a flying ant!

#29 Another view of the capture

#30 Unknown beetle

#31 A longhorn beetle in the usual face-down position

#32 Documenting the side profile

#33 Found a cute pair of mating fireflies. Initially thought that they were net-winged beetles. Should have switched off the lights to see them glow in ecstasy!

#34 A not so friendly crab spider

#35 Another cute jumping spider!

#36 Not interested in me… so it wandered off

#37 Last shot of the unfriendly crab spider

The complete album can be viewed here.

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