Tyrell's Tufted Jumping Spider Phidippus tyrrelli
(c) jcowles, some rights reserved (CC BY)
OrderSpiders (Araneae)
FamilyJumping Spiders (Salticidae)
GenusPhidippus (Phidippus)
Welcome to the heavyweight division of jumping spiders. This genus contains some of the largest jumping spiders on Earth, and this species flaunts one of their signature features: brilliant, iridescent green chelicerae (fangs) that glimmer like gemstones. These North American hunters are characterized by their impressive size and those shimmering green fangs that catch light as they move. They're visual hunters with incredible eyesight, making them apex predators in the micro-world. Watching one stalk prey is like watching a tiny, armored tank with perfect aim.
Think you can identify this one in the wild?
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