Green Jumping Spider Mopsus mormon

Photo of Green Jumping Spider (Mopsus mormon)

(c) Natasha Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderSpiders (Araneae)
FamilyJumping Spiders (Salticidae)
GenusMopsus (Mopsus)

Here's something remarkable: this is the only species in its entire genus—a unique evolutionary position. Found in New Guinea and eastern Australia, this green jumping spider possesses the legendary vision of jumping spiders, with enormous forward-facing eyes rivaling vertebrates. These impossibly intelligent tiny hunters move with astonishing precision, stalking prey like miniature cats. The combination of perfect vision and hunting prowess makes jumping spiders among Earth's most captivating spiders.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

Play Now