Biting Jumping Spider

Description
The Biting Jumping Spider is shiny black in colour, with a pale patch on the back of the head and a pale stripe down the centre of the abdomen. It has large eyes and the first pair of legs are strong with spines for catching prey. The eyes are arranged in two rows and the first pair are large and forward facing. They build no web but often construct silk sacs to rest and moult.

Size
10mm

Habitat
common in shrubs and trees.

Food
insects such as flies and moths that they pounce on.

Breeding
Jumping Spiders build silk egg sacs in leaves

Notes
Many jumping spiders are harmless. Some will bite if roughly handled causing mild local pain, but no long-lasting effects.

ClassificationClass: Arachnida
Order: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Genus: Opisthoncus
Species: mordax
Common Name: Biting Jumping
Spider