The more I work with tarantulas they less I understand the overwhelming fear and hatred most people have towards them (not talking about legitimate, involuntary phobias btw…just to be clear). Tarantulas are such oversensitive, helpless little babies.
Even the defensive species are mostly just cute and hilariously silly in their reactivity. “I’m so offended by the opening of my cage that I will now threat pose so hard that I almost fall over.” Like, we do this every week, little dude. Chill. Stop trying to fight your water dish.
I guess it’s hard to be scared of an animal you’ve seen violently flee from a prey item less than ¼th their size, or stand on tiptoes because they don’t like a new texture, or obsessively and meticulously clean every little spider-paw after a meal because it’s not polite to be dirty.
They’re like grumpy little eight-legged cats and I love them all.
Native to Southeast Asia, this species is one of the largest in the world. A close relative, Hyllus giganteus, is considered the single largest species.
I get hassled just for taking pictures, and look what she’s getting away with out there! Goldenrod crab spider Misumena vatia down by The Power Lines, 10 July 2017.
@angie-clover271218 submitted: I love the colony of Philaeus chrysops that lives in my garden. They’re adorable and absolutely freaking crazy little creatures. Yes, crazy, they are crazy. I love them so much.
I read you receive only blurred pics of jumping spiders so here you are!
Ohhhhhhhh these are beautiful! So jealous we don’t have red-bellied jumpers in the US. Look at that man’s fangs! Enormous. I love him. Please tell the next ones you see in your garden that I love them…even if that’s not til spring, depending on where you live….
Also may I please share one of my fav photos of this species
They are going in for a hug!!! Photo by talgar-t64
(Actually sorry to report that is two males fighting)
Females are often more cryptically colored:
Those ones are absolutely ROTUND. How delightful. Photos by apeterlongo and
ifesbob 