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Green Jumping (Mopsus mormon)

The Green Jumping Spider is a bright green, lively little creature found in areas of eastern Australia and New Guinea. This member of the Salticidae family is known for its vibrant color and quick movements. Ready to discover some amazing facts about this spider?

Scientific Classification

  • Family: Salticidae
  • Genus: Mopsus
  • Scientific name: Mopsus mormon

Green Jumping Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: While the males measure 0.59 inches (1.5 cm), the females grow to a length of about 0.80 inches (1.8 cm).
  • Color: Female spiders have a light green body with two black stripes on the abdomen. White patches are observed around the eyes and their cephalothorax exhibits a brownish-red and white pattern. The males, on the other hand, have a dark green body and red head. Their abdomen is a blend of green. black, and white.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The males have long, white side whiskers, surrounded by black hairs. This feature remains absent in females, who instead have a red and white-mask-like feature.
Northern Green Jumping Spider

Eggs

Female green jumping spiders make egg sacs on leaves with a single curve.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings mostly have a pale green appearance closely similar to the adults.

The Web

They do make webs, which is a little different and unique since it has multiple chambers or compartments, each being occupied by male and female spiders.

Green Jumping Spider Web

Are Green Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Green Jumping Spiders are venomous, but their venom is not harmful to humans and is mainly used to subdue their prey.

Can Green Jumping Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite, but it’s rare, and usually only if they feel threatened or cornered. The bite may cause minor discomfort but isn’t dangerous to humans.

Green Jumping Spider Image

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Green Jumping Spider 

These spiders are essential for controlling insect populations, aiding in maintaining ecological balance. Their hunting technique, which involves pouncing on prey rather than ensnaring it in webs, is highly effective against a variety of garden pests.

Natural Predators: Birds, larger spiders, and other insectivores are known predators of the Green Jumping Spider. These predators ensure the spider’s population does not exceed the carrying capacity of its environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Green Jumping Spider preys on insects and smaller spiders, regulating their populations and preventing outbreaks of pests. This dynamic underscores their role as a natural pest control agent.

Relationship with Humans: Green Jumping Spiders are often seen by humans in gardens and backyards, where they are usually welcome for their pest control services. Their bites are uncommon and not harmful to humans, causing only minor discomfort.

Green Jumping Spider Male

Green Jumping Spider Female

Quick Facts

Other NamesNorthern green jumping spider
DistributionEastern Australia and New Guinea
HabitatGardens, on leaves, and backyards
DietInsects and other smaller spiders
Web TypeNot any particular pattern
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Jumping Green Spider

Did You Know

  • The green jumping spider is the only species belonging to the genus Mopsus.

In conclusion, the Green Jumping Spider is a beneficial arachnid that contributes to the health of gardens and natural ecosystems by preying on insects.

The Green Jumping Spider is a bright green, lively little creature found in areas of eastern Australia and New Guinea. This member of the Salticidae family is known for its vibrant color and quick movements. Ready to discover some amazing facts about this spider?

Green Jumping Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: While the males measure 0.59 inches (1.5 cm), the females grow to a length of about 0.80 inches (1.8 cm).
  • Color: Female spiders have a light green body with two black stripes on the abdomen. White patches are observed around the eyes and their cephalothorax exhibits a brownish-red and white pattern. The males, on the other hand, have a dark green body and red head. Their abdomen is a blend of green. black, and white.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The males have long, white side whiskers, surrounded by black hairs. This feature remains absent in females, who instead have a red and white-mask-like feature.
Northern Green Jumping Spider

Eggs

Female green jumping spiders make egg sacs on leaves with a single curve.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings mostly have a pale green appearance closely similar to the adults.

The Web

They do make webs, which is a little different and unique since it has multiple chambers or compartments, each being occupied by male and female spiders.

Green Jumping Spider Web

Are Green Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Green Jumping Spiders are venomous, but their venom is not harmful to humans and is mainly used to subdue their prey.

Can Green Jumping Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite, but it’s rare, and usually only if they feel threatened or cornered. The bite may cause minor discomfort but isn’t dangerous to humans.

Green Jumping Spider Image

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Green Jumping Spider 

These spiders are essential for controlling insect populations, aiding in maintaining ecological balance. Their hunting technique, which involves pouncing on prey rather than ensnaring it in webs, is highly effective against a variety of garden pests.

Natural Predators: Birds, larger spiders, and other insectivores are known predators of the Green Jumping Spider. These predators ensure the spider’s population does not exceed the carrying capacity of its environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Green Jumping Spider preys on insects and smaller spiders, regulating their populations and preventing outbreaks of pests. This dynamic underscores their role as a natural pest control agent.

Relationship with Humans: Green Jumping Spiders are often seen by humans in gardens and backyards, where they are usually welcome for their pest control services. Their bites are uncommon and not harmful to humans, causing only minor discomfort.

Green Jumping Spider Male

Green Jumping Spider Female

Quick Facts

Other NamesNorthern green jumping spider
DistributionEastern Australia and New Guinea
HabitatGardens, on leaves, and backyards
DietInsects and other smaller spiders
Web TypeNot any particular pattern
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Jumping Green Spider

Did You Know

  • The green jumping spider is the only species belonging to the genus Mopsus.

In conclusion, the Green Jumping Spider is a beneficial arachnid that contributes to the health of gardens and natural ecosystems by preying on insects.