Arachtober: My Salties

Bronze Jumping Spider (Eris militaris)
verified
Barton, Vermont, 2021

This photo above was my last and best photo of a saltie, or a jumping spider. While the genus and species have been verified, the sex has not, but I have been told by arachnologists that I trust that this is probably a pregnant female, which is why it is so chubby.

This entire post was to be about why we love to find and photograph salties, but then I realized that I had to explain their name before I could explain why. Coincidentally, the explanation of the name brings together a couple of themes that I have been discussing in this Arachtober series. This quotation is from Biodiversity Explorer: The Web of Life in Southern Africa. I used their definition because it is clear and engaging and true. I added the emphasis.

Family: Salticidae (jumping spiders)

Commonly called Jumping spiders, the Salticidae are also affectionately referred to as  Charlies, Herbies or Salties. They are very common around the home and their anthropomorphic nature endears them to most people. The family name is derived from the Latin "salto" which means to dance with pantomimic gestures (See mating behaviour below). This is the largest spider family and includes more than 5000 species worldwide. There are 46 genera in South Africa. These spiders are harmless to man although there have been complaints where this comical, engaging animal has been accused of nasty bites.

Note: there are 315 known species in North America.

When we attribute human behaviors to animals, it is anthropomorphizing. These spiders have huge eyes, great expressions, and wave their "arms" about a lot. Go to YouTube for the funniest videos of Peacock spiders. You will laugh out loud. The comment about spiders biting is very common, as we have seen. But I have to admit, if you see these tiny little spiders simply from looking down at them, they look tough and furry; like a biting spider might. They are so fast and wiry that you begin to wonder. But you can stop wondering now.

But back to nature photography …

These salties are usually very difficult to see. They are extremely small and very fast, so even if you do see one, it will probably be gone before you can get your camera to your face. But if you happen to get a few shots off, you are in for the most wonderful shots. 

Rutland, Vermont, 2007

Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax)

verified

Rutland, Vermont, 2007

In 2007, I was in Rutland, Vermont, for something that I can't even remember now. But I remember seeing this tiny black spider. I remember the weather, the location, where the sun was, and the emotion. I was just beginning to photograph arthropods back then and had a lousy point and shoot digital. And this shot? It was been seen more than any of my other photos on Flickr: 16,843 views. Unbelievable for such a lousy shot. I had no idea what it was, so I just called it a "black hairy jumping spider with 4 eyes and green fangs." It was actually a thrill. But it wasn't until 2010 that I saw another. 

Tan Jumping Spider

(Platycryptus undatus)

verified

New Hampshire, 2010

I loved getting this face into the computer of this (perhaps) Tan Jumping Spider. I laughed when I saw it. I vowed to find more and began to read about them. But I didn't find anymore until 2011. By then, I knew why they were called salties. I found some magnificent photographers of them on blogs, and Facebook photographers had started saltie groups that I followed.

Marbled Purple Jumping Spider (Phidippus purpuratus)
with fly prey
verified
Barton, Vermont, 2011

I remember the Barton shot above so well. I saw small movement and crept slowly to it and saw the saltie walking backwards dragging its prey to a sheltered spot, which was underneath whatever object it was on (I forget what it was). I managed to get an entire series of shots of the action. But I could sense, through its body movements, that the spider was quite upset at my presence. It wouldn't run away and abandon its prey, though. I never managed to shoot its face and that was a huge disappointment. 

Zebra Jumping Spider (Salticus scenicus)

verified

Morgan and Orleans, Vermont, 2016

2016 was my Zebra Spider year. I saw them everywhere. I never shot any faces, though. They are the largest saltie species I have seen and so distinctive that even I can identify them in the field. But they also seem to be the fastest. What a shame.

The final saltie I have so far gotten is the photo at the very top. I was on a normal bug hunt, looking closely at leaves on brush, and there she was. She stayed still just long enough to get a good focus of her face! It was thrilling. She did finally go to the bottom of the leaf and disappeared when I tried to gently lift it for more shots. 

Perhaps because they are so difficult for me to photograph, or perhaps because they are so charismatic, salties are one of the top goals of photography for me. I hope to find more. 

Here is the Peacock Spider dance for your enjoyment. I enjoyed the Arachtober series this year and already have plans for next year.

 🕷🕸 Happy Halloween! 🕸🕷

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