Female Fencepost jumping spider with large prey ⒸJohan Van Hoecke

Fencepost jumping spider

Know more?

Jumping spiders have excellent vision. They use it, not only to localize prey, but also to seduce females. The males often have very striking colours and make rhythmic movements during courtship. It actually looks like they are dancing.

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