While in the midst of moving to Alabama I searched for some nice blogs from the area and one that I came across turned out to be an invaluable resource and FUNNY at the same time. Now who can make creepy crawly things funny? Daniel from "Nature at Close Range" http://www.natureatcloserange.com/
This one's for you Daniel!
Now I am not a talented researcher like Daniel so I'm going to leave that to the expert, but I knew this must be a type of Jumping Spider and found it to be "thiodina sylvana".
Now I am not a talented researcher like Daniel so I'm going to leave that to the expert, but I knew this must be a type of Jumping Spider and found it to be "thiodina sylvana".I was on the phone with my mom, camera in hand, when this tiny fellow took a likin to me. I thought something seemed a little uncomfortable as he gave me the eye(s).
Next thing I knew he dove to my pant leg as I nearly dropped the phone and let out a little squeak of resentment. I think I scared him more than me, because when I looked again he was back on his perch looking just as angry.
This picture was from right before the leap. Can you see the intent in his eyes?
This photo was heavily cropped, and slightly filtered with saturation and sharpness.
I just love this little guy...just not up close and personal.
I'd rather leave that work to Daniel!
I'd rather leave that work to Daniel!
17 comments:
Was this spider inside your home?
Wow! Great shot! That is a gorgeous jumping spider. Jumping spiders are the only spiders that I wasn't afraid of when I was a kid. I have kind of gotten over my fear of spiders- but not totally. Again- that is a very pretty jumping spider!
Thanks also for your very nice comments regarding my site! I think that the "everyday" and "common" nature is more fascinating then most folks think. But my favorite part of keeping the site is when fellow nature lovers such as yourself and Debi can share in my excitement over a "discovery". That is what brings the most satisfaction. Kids also love the site- which I also find very rewarding. The spider and snake articles are there favorites. My kids have caught 2 salamanders this week- so they are putting me on the clock to take those guys photos and get an article up about them. :)
Great shot, Eve! That really is the prettiest (or most handsome) jumping spider that I have ever seen!
YUCK!
Another great close up Evie.
No Julie...there are no more bugs inside!! You can come visit!!
Daniel, you are such an inspiration and I just know there will be a lot more people and kids who will appreciate these critters more because of how you present them. Way to go!
PS I saw an Eastern Glass Lizard yesterday...wish I'd taken a picture but it wasn't to be. What a great creature and truely different!
Karen...don't you think he's CUTE!!!
I with Daniel in that I don't find jumping spiders quite so creepy as the ones that run way too fast. This one is really quite sweet Evie. I'm curious to know what he's sat on there?
Eeewww....excellent shot.
I agree Jenny but they sure are a lot scarier up close! He was on a plastic water can handle. He is really small!
Wow, that's an impressive photo, you can actually see the hairs on his legs. Great macro. Thanks for the link.
Does it bite??? Excellent photo - but I would be running and screaming and probably peeing my pants at the same time! ha,ha!
Wow! A Glass Lizard! I've only seen 2 in my lifetime- one about 17 years ago in Apopka, FL- and one about 8 years ago in Clanton, AL. I didn't get a picture of either one of those either. I sure would like the opportunity to see one again! Maybe you'll see it again and can get a photo. They are neat critters.
I've always had a soft spot for jumping spiders....of all the spiders they DO seem to have a bit of a personality! That is a great pic, I had to biggify it to REALLY appreciate it. What "delicate" striping....and how lovely the many eyes....sheesh. :) I really got a good laugh at your commentary. I guess he must have been protecting his territory....or thought your lens was a huge spider eye.....
Eve.. I have loved catching up on your blog, via your photo montage... sounds like you are all doing well and settling in.. Beatuiful bugs, flowersand sunrises..thanks for sharing, and good luck with keeping that yard mowed..
What a great shot! After I got a digital camera and started blogging, I started seeing nature with new eyes. Some of the most fascinating creatures are these tiny ones that we usually don't pay much attention to.
Hi Eve, I hadn't planned on writing an article about the "Thiodina sylvana" spider last night- but then I decided "what the heck" and started Googling it. I like to use Google for searching old books at their books.google.com site. Interestingly- there were only about 13 books listed (that Google has indexed) that mentioned this spider (books that were open for reading either in full view or limited view.) Howerver, the prize "find", at least for me, was stumbling across that 2006 price list where someone was selling a female of the species for $7.50. I love the web! :) I would have asked you for permission to use your photo yesterday- but as I was writing the article after midnight last night- I decided that you probably wouldn't mind- especially if I attributed your article- and you had already wisely watermarked your photo (Picasa3 is great for easily adding watermarks). (Please drop me an email if you do mind, though). :) I have been plagerized at least once- the text- not the photo. It didn't make me too happy- but I wasn't overly upset either. At least 3 research students have asked for permission to use a few of my photos in an journal article that they were publishing- so that is always a rewarding feeling!
And yes- I am glad for those that share the same passion for nature and wanting to learn more. My kids are great examples for me- they always ask the best questions, too- like, "What does it eat? Are they poisonous? Do they bite? Can you eat it?" etc. :)
Oh, dear....I'm not fond of spiders..or bugs in general... up close and personal either. When I see them in the house, I start chanting "spiders are good bugs don't kill it"....but I still don't like them. If they are so good, why don't they eat the ants that keep getting in my house?
Ugly when clicked for sure! I admire your photo skills with stress of a jumping spider.
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