Weird Spider -- Should I Kill It!?

[Shaula]

It looks a lot like this, only it's legs and thorax are entirely black, the abdomen is black on the bottom but bright red on top with a block spot in the middle, and it has teal (greenish-blue) coloured eyes. I just found it in my window seal.

 

[Synarch]

It looks a lot like this, only it's legs and thorax are entirely black and it has teal (greenish-blue) coloured eyes. I just found it in my window seal.

Nah. That's just a jumping spider. Harmless to humans. That array of eyes up there is used to aim at the spot they want to hop to and the prey they want to capture. They don't typically spin webs, so they just hang out and capture insects. Probably belongs outside though as they typically live on the underside of leaves and flowers.

 

[Blackmail!]

Jumping spiders are amongst the most fascinating and sophisticated invertebrates. They are the only one amongst their category than can stare at your face, thanks to their very developed eyes (which can perceive details and colours with high resolution).

And even if they are very small, their brain can weight up to 25% of their body mass. These creatures don't rely only on instinct (like insects would do), they can learn, they are often very curious and have a complex mating ceremony.

So please, don't kill it. Jumping spiders are harmless, funny to observe and can help you get rid of some annoying flies and mosquitoes.

 

[Costrin]

Take more pictures!

 

[Kangirl]

Don't kill it! Spideys are nice! Seriously, don't kill the poor little guy. It's not his fault he looks like that.

 

[Shaula]

Cool, I feel much better knowing what it is. I've never seen one like this before.

Take more pictures!

Maybe later.

 

[Totenkindly]

*shudder*

When I was a kid, I couldn't even touch PICTURES of spiders in my large science books, it freaked me out too much; I'd open the pages with a ruler and stare from a distance with morbid curiosity.

Sort of like now, sitting about 3' away from my monitor just in case this crazy thing somehow jumps at my face, and yet unable to look away.

The science lesson is definitely interesting, though. I didn't know all those facts about jumpers.

 

[cascadeco]

Jumping spiders are the cutest. I love them.

 

[Kyrielle]

Jumping spiders are the cutest. I love them.

Word.

There was one on a pier where I was sitting one day. And it kept hanging out near me, staring at me. It was adorable. I'd wave my fingers above it, and it would do a little halfway defense posture, but it never exactly ran away. I think it thought my hair was like giant silk strands. I had a distinct suspicion it would try to jump onto them.

 

[Kangirl]

They are cute, insofar as a spider can be cute, and even then only from a distance. But there's always something weirdly *conscious* about jumping spiders. Like they actually understand they're interacting with another being (me) or something. It freaks me out a little. Maybe I should keep one as a pet?

 

[Risen]

#1 human rule = "Kill first, ask questions later/never."

 

[Synarch]

They are cute, insofar as a spider can be cute, and even then only from a distance. But there's always something weirdly *conscious* about jumping spiders. Like they actually understand they're interacting with another being (me) or something. It freaks me out a little. Maybe I should keep one as a pet?

Animals that watch YOU are always interesting. It's recognition that we find compelling even if they're just thinking something completely alien beyond our ken.

 

[Synarch]

#1 human rule = "Kill first, ask questions later/never."

Oh, I know you're a softie. I've heard you in Ventrillo. You don't fool me.

 

[velocity]

good source of protein
i recommend 3 or 4 chew to fully relish the tsste

 

[Totenkindly]

They are cute, insofar as a spider can be cute, and even then only from a distance. But there's always something weirdly *conscious* about jumping spiders. Like they actually understand they're interacting with another being (me) or something. It freaks me out a little. Maybe I should keep one as a pet?

I bet you guys wouldn't feel as keen on jumping spiders if we were 1" tall and they were 6' tall.
("Helllllp meeeee! Heeeelp meeeee!")

It is all a matter of perspective.

 

[Synarch]

I bet you guys wouldn't feel as keen on jumping spiders if we were 1" tall and they were 6' tall.
("Helllllp meeeee! Heeeelp meeeee!")

It is all a matter of perspective.

Well, IF you weren't scared of them, you would be keen. QED.

 

[Anonymous]

"Jumping" and "spider" seems like a combination straight out of hell.

 

[Synarch]

"Jumping" and "spider" seems like a combination straight out of hell.

Kinda like "vagina" and "teeth".

 

[Samvega]

Kinda like "vagina" and "teeth".

AKA Vagina Dentata, I watched teeth, not sure why.

array of eyes

I fear the spider with 6 eyes. The jumping spiders I just leave alone.

 

[Totenkindly]

Well, IF you weren't scared of them, you would be keen. QED.

I read Stephen King's "The Mist."
I know what those jumping spiders are thinking!

"Jumping" and "spider" seems like a combination straight out of hell.

Yes, just like "rush" and "limbaugh"!