Our sense is such/That, spider-like, we feel the tenderest touch

July 2, 2017 11:11 AM

Phidippus and Hyllus are genera in the family Salticidae (jumping spiders). Phidippus Adumbratus is endearingly cute and can be puppy-like [percussive new age audio], to the point of being pettable [birdsong] (previously). Hyllus Giganteus, the largest member of its genus, is more daunting [tense music] but every bit [quiet speech] as adorable [just mute the audio, trust me].
posted by Johnny Wallflower (11 comments total)

I love the slow motion in the BBC clip. Hydraulic-aided jumping!
posted by not_the_water at 11:40 AM on July 2, 2017

Ahh, the beloved star of /r/spiders. I wish I had more of them. Too many dull huntsmen in my house.
posted by Bee'sWing at 11:54 AM on July 2, 2017

Since finding out that the hairs of Chilean Rose Tarantulas break off, float around in the air, and then embed themselves in your corneas, I don't think I'm really down with petting fuzzy spiders.
posted by jamjam at 12:22 PM on July 2, 2017 [1 favorite]

Jumping spiders = best spiders
posted by clockzero at 12:38 PM on July 2, 2017 [2 favorites]

If you live in the UK, jumping spiders (in the form of the Zebra Spider) are everywhere. You very often find them on vertical surfaces. UPVC doors and brick walls eem to be favourite places for them. They're way too small to pet, but they're quite pretty.
posted by pipeski at 1:31 PM on July 2, 2017 [2 favorites]

There's often a jumping spider hanging out on my patio table. I had no idea they were this friendly.
posted by Xyanthilous P. Harrierstick at 2:46 PM on July 2, 2017

I love jumping spiders! I love posts about jumping spiders!

I worry that all these people handling jumping spiders will wind up accidentally hurting them...
posted by WalkerWestridge at 3:22 PM on July 2, 2017 [2 favorites]

Tiny zebra jumping spiders are often seen where we live. They don't bite me. They're cute.
posted by ovvl at 7:42 PM on July 2, 2017 [1 favorite]

Welcomed guests in every home we've lived in. I fed one a fly when we were in Utah. I watched it trying to catch the insect and repeatedly failing, so I stunned a fly with a swatter and offered it to the spider. The spider jumped on my finger just long enough to grab the insect, and then jumped away with it. Certainly the best of my spider-related memories.
posted by metagnathous at 5:12 PM on July 3, 2017 [4 favorites]

Phidippus!! Yay!!

A couple p. audax have been hanging out with me while I work lately. One got super curious about the contents of my wallet, and emerged a few minutes later with a vague air of disappointment.

They are hilariously friendly little critters and have been delightful company. If they continue to come around, they may get named.
posted by MissySedai at 11:47 PM on July 3, 2017 [2 favorites]

Related: ’90s Kids Rejoice! The Spider Eggs They Used To Fill Beanie Babies Are Finally Hatching!

If you were obsessed with Beanie Babies in the ’90s, get ready to fall in love all over again, because the spider eggs they used to fill your favorite Beanies are beginning to hatch! Collectors all over the country have been reporting that the long-awaited day has finally arrived, with brown recluse spiderlings bursting through the seams of Beanies everywhere!

Awesome!

posted by Johnny Wallflower at 1:56 PM on July 8, 2017