The fringed jumping spider is a cool spider from Southeast Asia and Australia. It’s part of the jumping spider family. What’s special about it? This spider is super smart when it comes to catching its food! We’ve got some exciting things to tell you about this spider right here!
Size: Females are 0.26 – 0.41 inches (0.66 – 1.0 cm) while males are 0.20 – 0.25 inches (0.50 – 0.63 cm).
Color: The males and females are closely similar when it comes to coloration. They have a dark brown carapace, with reddish-brown fangs. Their undersides and palps appear brown with white hairs on the latter. The abdomen is also dark brown, marked with spots of white.
A change in coloration is observed in spiders from Indonesia and New Guinea, which have an orangish-brown carapace, and a yellow abdomen.
Other Characteristic Features: The male and female spiders have long legs with a fringed pattern, resulting in their name.
Eggs
They usually lay eggs either on dry, brown leaves, 2cm long, or even on silken sacs located on the horizontal web that is a part of the main web.
Spiderlings
Many eggs are eaten by the mother itself so not all of them make it to adulthood. Those who hatch and survive, reach the adulthood stage through several molting phases.
The Web
Female spiders build webs sizing 4,000 cubic cm (volume-wise), suspended from rocks or branches.
Are Fringed Jumping Spiders Venomous?
Yes, Fringed Jumping spiders have venom. They use it to snatch up the tiny bugs they like to eat. But for humans, it’s not very powerful.
Can Fringed Jumping Spiders Bite?
They can bite if they’re bothered. The bite might feel like a little pinch, but most people don’t think it’s too bad. Kindly note that its bite can cause swelling and redness.
Ecological Importance and Behavior of Fringed Jumping Spider
The fringed jumping spider plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem, controlling the population of small insects and other spider species through predation. Their unique hunting strategies, which include mimicking prey and using their web as a tool, showcase their intelligence and adaptability.
Natural Predator: They face threats from various predators, including frogs, mantises, birds, and ants, which contribute to the balance within their ecological community.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The fringed jumping spider exists in a delicate balance within its habitat, serving as both predator and prey. This dynamic is crucial for maintaining ecological stability and ensuring biodiversity.
Relationship with Humans: Discovered by Carl Ludwig Doleschall in 1859, this species has since fascinated scientists and the public alike. Their venom is not a significant threat to humans, and their presence underscores the richness of life within rainforests and savanna woodlands.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Australia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka
Habitat
Rainforests and savanna woodlands
Diet
Small insects, eggs of other spiders
Web Type
Funnel-shaped
Predators
Frogs, mantises, birds, and ants
Lifespan
Around 1.5 years
IUCN Conservation Status
Not listed
Did You Know
One Portia fimbrata that the Australian Museum houses at present was found developing its lost limb seven days after molting.
Carl Ludwig Doleschall described this species for the first time in 1859.
In summary, the fringed jumping spider, Portia fimbriata, is a testament to the complexity and marvels of the arachnid world.
A fringed jumping spider has a dark brown carapace and abdomen, with white spots on the abdomen and reddish-brown fangs. Its most notable feature is its long legs, which have a distinct fringed pattern. Some variants from Indonesia and New Guinea may have an orangish-brown carapace and a yellow abdomen.
Adult female fringed jumping spiders reach a body length between 0.26 and 0.41 inches (0.66 to 1.0 cm). They are significantly larger than their male counterparts, which typically measure between 0.20 and 0.25 inches. This size difference is a common characteristic among many spider species.
Yes, fringed jumping spiders are venomous, as they use venom to immobilize their prey of insects and other spiders. However, their venom is not considered medically significant to humans. A bite is highly unlikely to cause any serious health issues beyond minor, localized irritation at the bite site.
A bite from a fringed jumping spider typically feels like a minor pinch and is not considered dangerous. If bitten, you may experience localized symptoms such as mild swelling and redness around the area. For any persistent symptoms or concerns about a spider bite, it is always best to consult a medical professional.
Yes, female fringed jumping spiders build webs that are suspended from rocks or branches. Unlike the simple retreat webs of some jumpers, their webs are sizable structures, sometimes reaching a volume of 4,000 cubic cm. These webs are used for shelter and as a place to lay their eggs.
Fringed jumping spiders lay their eggs on dry, brown leaves or within specially constructed silken sacs. These egg sacs are typically located on the horizontal web structure that the female spider builds. The mother may consume some of her own eggs, so not all eggs will hatch.
The fringed jumping spider gets its common name from the distinct, fringed pattern of hairs on its long legs. This physical trait is a key identifying feature for the species, *Portia fimbriata*, and is present in both males and females, contributing to their unique and camouflaged appearance.
Dr. James Watuwa on July 25, 2019.
Spider Team
