Jumping spiders, friends or foes?
The jumping spider is also the world's first bungee jumper.
By Warren Dick
THERE are just over 60 different genera of jumping spiders found in South Africa, all of which have venom that is considered to be harmless to humans.
Unfortunately these spiders have been given a bad reputation by most people, even some in the medical profession, where they get the blame for mysterious (sometimes septic) bite marks on humans.
Most of the time such ‘bites’ are caused by a multitude of other factors. The fact is that a simple house fly is more dangerous to your health than the jumping spider.
There are also many old wives’ tales regarding these spiders. One such story I heard was of a jumping spider supposedly biting someone and then laying her eggs in that wound. This is utter nonsense, a fly was more likely to blame for this incident.
Jumping spiders have some of the best eyesight of all spiders, which makes sense as it is their main means of catching prey. These spiders do not make a web in which to catch their food. They are known as free-range spiders, often traveling great distances in pursuit of prey. Most species make a little cocoon in a corner, small crack in the wall or even in the dead leaf of a plant, to sleep in every night.
Many species have learned to live in close proximity to humans, but this is not something we should be scared of, as they are a great asset in homes. I am quite happy to have them living on my kitchen window as they will catch and eat all the pesky flies and mosquitoes.
READ: Interesting facts about the biggest web building spiders
The jumping spider is also the world’s first bungee jumper. When they spot a fly, they first secure silk to whatever steadfast surface they are standing on, then they jump at high speed towards the fly. That way, even if they miss, they won’t fall to the ground but simply have to pull themselves up to safety.
Jumping spiders are friends and do not need to be killed.
If you should find one in an undesirable place such as your bed, simply dust it into a dustpan or jar and release it into a more suitable location.
DID YOU KNOW?
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