Scary Visitor

Jumping Spider 1

Jumping Spider 1

That moment when there’s a spider on you and you suddenly turn into a black belt karate master.

– Anon

 

When I opened my daughter’s bedroom curtains the other morning this little jumping spider fell out onto the duvet cover. It stayed absolutely still, so I had time to fetch my camera and take a few photos. You can even see its little eyes!

Jumping Spider 2

Jumping Spider 2

To see how small it is, compare it to the paper clip on the right of the photo. (The bendy white thing, shaped like this to hold up the solar lights on the pelmet.)

Jumping Spider 3

Jumping Spider 3

I think she is holding onto her skin or exoskeleton (the stuff underneath her on the right of the photo). Maybe she was moulting and in the process of shedding it? Spiders do this so that they can grow bigger.

 

Who is she?

She’s definitely a jumping spider. I think, specifically, a female Grey Wall Jumper, Menemerus bivittatus.

If you’re into spiders, here’s the gallery I was looking through last night in order to identify the little spider. Yes, it did take me a while to get to sleep after that!

Jumping spiders (salticids) actively hunt their prey then pounce on it.  They don’t spin webs, but do make little silken shelters under leaves. Isn’t that cute?

Jumping spiders do produce venom, but are not considered medically threatening. However, let me tell you from past experience, if they do happen to bite you when you’re sleeping, you will wake up to a very swollen, painful face!

And though she is a little scary, I think she’s also a little cute . . . As long as she’s not on me!

 

53 thoughts on “Scary Visitor”

  6. Vinny Idol

    Im not afraid of spiders,but I consider them gtoss.lol These are some crystal clear images however. Excellent job. I appreciate the info you shared too. Hope the little guy didnt bite you.

    Was that the only one you found?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      Thank you very much 🙂
      Yes, this time it was just the one, but previously there was a massive one in the bathroom – which I got my husband to take outside!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. ulli

    A cute series, Scifi. I like to have some spiders in the cellar – no flies 😉
    Spiders are really precious, but some are also really dangerous.
    best wishes,
    Ulli

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Crystal Cotton

    Spiders are so gross! And don’t even get me started on their webs they leave behind. I’m constantly sweeping and vacuuming out corners so they won’t make themselves at home!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      haha I think many feel this way – but really, this little girl doesn’t make webs, but catches other bugs around the house for you. 🙂

      Like

  10. Genie

    Yikes! That freaks me out, I was bitten by a poisonous spider 🕷 that I’m still having a hard time recovering from — it keeps improving then gets worse again. The doctor said it may take months to fully recover, but I’m impatient, I wish someone knew the cure for a poisonous spider bite that went into nerves, muscles and tendons.

    Good shots you took of the little monster.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      I remember and was thinking of you when I wrote this and wondering how you were recovering. I’m sorry to hear it is still so sore, most likely because it went right into the nerve? I don’t know of any cures – an anti-venom shot would be really useful.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Genie

        Yes, it bit me in the nerve, that’s why it’s so painful and taking a long time to heal.
        I’ll check out the ant-venom suggestion, hadn’t thought of that, thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. blosslyn

    Oh my, she looks like she could grow into a huge monster, that could be her x mate she is holding on to, for little nibbles when she is feeling hunger pains, no nice cheek to nibble on 🙂 Cute now, but she would still have to go out the window 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  15. colinandray

    We have loads of those (or similar) around here and, unfortunately, a bite results in white lumps around 1/4″ across, and much itching. I have the same problem with mosquitos… but their “lumps” are a little smaller although just as itchy! Nature rules!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. scifihammy Post author

      I’m not sure if you have the same spiders, but we always end up with half our face swollen and looking like we’ve been hit with a baseball bat! Painful more than itchy – Ouch!
      Yes indeed, Nature rules! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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