Heavy Jumper Hyllus diardi

Photo of Heavy Jumper (Hyllus diardi)

(c) Pavel Borodin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderSpiders (Araneae)
FamilyJumping Spiders (Salticidae)
GenusHyllus (Hyllus)

The heavy jumper is a jumping spider that earned its name through sheer size and robustness compared to its relatives. Jumping spiders are already incredible athletes, capable of explosive leaps and precise hunting maneuvers, but this species brings extra muscle to the table. Described way back in 1837 by French arachnologist Charles Athanase Walckenaer, the species has fascinated scientists ever since. Their vision rivals that of much larger creatures, with forward-facing eyes that work like tiny telescopes. Despite their hunting prowess, these spiders are harmless and generally docile around humans.

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