Fencepost jumping spider

Fencepost jumping spider (Marpissa muscosa)

Web: Jumping spiders don’t make catching webs, but use their large and well developed eyes to spot their prey from far away, sneak closer and pounce it with their short and strong legs. The Fencepost jumping spider sometimes catches prey that are much bigger than itself, including other spiders.

Habitat: on logs, but also on fences, gates, garden sheds and walls. Often on sunny or partially shaded places.

How to recognize:

• largest native jumping spider
• oblong body
• short, sturdy legs, front legs thickened
• colour grey brown to dark brown
• abdomen with light and dark symmetrical spots
• the female has an orange stripe (hairs) underneath the frontal eyes.

Looks similar to:

• Upon close inspection, this species is hard to confuse with any other jumping spider.

Size

♀: 8-11 mm

♂: 6-8 mm

When?

♀: April till September

♂: April till September