Diversity

• There are an estimated 5,000 species of jumping spiders in nature. They are as old as mammals, evolutionarily speaking, and come in a surprising array of forms, sizes and colors. One thing that makes jumping spiders recognizable, wherever one might encounter them, is their distinctive eye pattern. They usually have 3 to 4 rows of eyes, but it is the interior eyes of the first row that are distinctive. These two large telescopic eyes (usually the anterior median eyes) look forward and allow them to focus on their prey and aid in their ability to track and capture meals.
  
  

Diet

• Like most spiders, jumping spiders are primarily insectivorous and will eat anything they can catch, from moths to ants. There are exceptions to the general insectivorous nature of the family. There are a small number of species of jumping spiders that seem to have a sweet tooth as they supplement their carnivorous diet with nectar and pollen from flowers. However, one species found in the forests of Central America called Bagheera kiplingi is mostly vegetarian and feeds on acacia trees and only occasionally on ant larvae.
  
  

Hunting Methods

• Jumping spiders are active diurnal hunters and employ their excellent vision in spotting, tracking and capturing prey. Jumping spiders do not use webs to capture prey in a traditional sense. Some species will attach silk to a solid object and use it as a bungee cord as they jump into the air when attempting to catch flying insects. If the miss, they simply pull themselves back up, wait and try again. Jumping spiders get their name from their habit of pouncing on unsuspecting prey. They can jump several times their own body size. Their ability to jump so efficiently comes from a rapid hydraulic pressure dynamic in their rear legs that propels them forward.
  
  

Reproduction

• One of the more interesting characteristics of jumping spiders is the courtship behavior and rituals that many species display when mating. Because of their well developed vision, some species of jumping spiders rely heavily on visual cues for reproduction. Colorful males, who often appear completely different in shape and size from females of the same species, will jump in front of females and perform an elaborate dance that can involve jumping and waving their legs and palps. These dances allow the female to recognize the male as a member of the same species and females will return the dancing signal to let the male know that she is receptive and ready to mate.
  
  

Interesting Facts

• The scientific name of the family, Salticidae, comes from the Latin Salto, which means to dance with pantomimic gestures--a name that comes from the courtship dances of some species.
  
  The Himalayan jumping spider (Euophrys omnisuperstes) can live continuously at altitudes around 22,000 feet. The spiders have been found high on the slopes of Mount Everest. These mountainous jumping spiders survive by feeding on stray insects that are blown up the mountainside from lower altitudes.
  
  Jumping spiders exhibit interesting behavior when encountered by humans. Many species will stand their ground and even jump onto a human hand if approached. They seem to be inquisitive in nature and are welcomed inhabitants in many parts of the world for their help with controlling insects and other pests.