Jumping Spiders: Captive Care, New Species ( and Video-Watching-Tendencies!)

[bronxzoofrank]

Hi All,

Anyone else interested in keeping or observing jumping spiders?
As a bug-hunting child, I was once startled to come upon a housefly that appeared to be walking on its hind legs. Closer inspection revealed that the unfortunate insect was being carried in a head-up position by a Jumping Spider. I was aware that a variety of these brilliantly-colored little beasts inhabited my Bronx neighborhood, and became interested in how they managed to capture such elusive prey without a web. I began reading and collecting, and was soon fascinated by their keen eyesight and cat-like stalking techniques. They would follow my finger, leap on a feathers pulled by a string, and even display to a mirrors.
I’ve recently learned that biologists are showing videos to Jumping Spiders in an attempt to learn more about their remarkable eyes (which allow for forward, backward, an sideways vision simultaneously), and that a new ant-mimicking Jumping Spider with enormous fangs has turned up in Borneo. I’ll highlight this new information below, and review their natural history and captive care.
Read article here Jumping Spiders - Captive Care, New Species and a Surprise (They Watch Videos!) That Reptile Blog
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Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog That Reptile Blog
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[jarich]

That new one from Borneo is amazing looking. Talk about a close mimic! And that last set of eyes toward the back make for a pretty incredible field of view, Im sure.

[Zoo Nanny]

Another interesting article. Spiders are not my favorite. Up until I worked at the zoo I was terrified of them, but a little desensitization was all it took. Up until this past summer I had never seen a huntsmen spider and still am not sure that is what I saw.
Maybe you will recognize it, none of my friends were able to ID it.
http://www.facebook.com/ajax/sharer/...d=2305272732&p[]=1299951954&p[]=3966793
Hope that worked.

[Zoo Nanny]

Well that didn't work, hopefully this will.

[bronxzoofrank]

Originally Posted by jarich

That new one from Borneo is amazing looking. Talk about a close mimic! And that last set of eyes toward the back make for a pretty incredible field of view, Im sure.

It sure is, glad you enjoyed; I've seen a mimic in Costa Rica, the way the spider moves about is uncanny - I would have missed it save for someone who knew them better than I; I've not seen anything like the mandibles on the Borneo animal - just amazing. Best, Frank