The Jumping Spider (Evarcha arcuata) is a small arachnid in the Salticidae family of jumping spiders.

The Jumping Spider has a domed, arched abdomen, a squarish or rectangular head, eight short legs, and a pair of pedipalps near its mouth. The male is dark-grey to black with a copper sheen. It has horizontal black and white stripes on its face. The female is brown and white with black diagonal spots. It has eight eyes and excellent vision. 

It grows to less than 1 centimetre (less than half an inch) long. 

It is found in Europe. It can be found in parks and gardens, and in people’s homes. The male is more likely to be seen, but the female hides in her web, which is usually in a rolled leaf. 

It is diurnal, active during the day. It is carnivorous, eating insects, such as ants, as well as nectar from plants, and plant matter. 

It can jump. It uses its back legs for jumping. 

The female lays many eggs in egg sacs. 

[Location of photographs: Paris, France]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM