# Please, help me identify this spider **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 5, 2009, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040 "2009-04-05T06:06:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/41 "2009-08-26T04:54:59Z")
> [@lynne-42](#): > > What can I say but Wow! That refers to **arachnologus** ’ information and **Henrichek’s** photos and questions. If we have derailed this OP, then maybe we can start one on great invertebrate photographs. > > Now to study all the images and comments. Thanks heaps, guys! I’ve thought about that myself, some kind of continuously running thread for identification or just showing off photos. I don’t know what the mods’ opinions are on such threads though, anybody know? It would feel better than having to start a new thread for a basic identification question (which is why I sometimes hijack others’ threads in this manner :)). > [@arachnologus](#): > > Well, that would somewhat depend on which species. Taking _[Evarcha falcata](http://www.eurospiders.com/Evarcha_falcata.htm)_ as an example, one that is big enough to notice and occurs northward almost or quite to the Arctic, it is active on the ground and lower branches of vegetation mainly in heathlands (not under dense forest canopy or in urbanized settings), from spring to fall. Jumping spiders’ style of movement is quite different from any other spider – once seen, can’t be mistaken, but if you’re expecting rapid running _a la_ wolf spiders you may not notice them. You can see several videos of jumping spiders doing their thing on Youtube to give you an idea. Thanks. I think I will try to find one of those. I just hope they don’t jump at people :D. > [@arachnologus](#): > > Sorry, haven’t a clue! You see, even arachnologists don’t know everything. 🙂 That’s alright :). Did you mention them more as a feature that helps identification? Is it specific to the species? Family? ---
**Author:** ![Beware\_of\_Doug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/278dde/32.png) [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/42 "2009-08-26T07:03:30Z")
> [@lynne-42](#): > > I could write about spider cuteness for ages You may have to to overcome the mass prejudice against critters with more than 2 eyes or 4 legs. ---
**Author:** ![arachnologus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dc4da7/32.png) [@arachnologus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/arachnologus)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/43 "2009-08-26T07:12:37Z")
> [@Henrichek](#): > > Did you mention them [specialized hairs on _Xerolycosa_ abdomen] more as a feature that helps identification? Is it specific to the species? Family? Only the eye arrangement and some structures at the base of the legs are specific to the whole wolf spider family. The white hair tuft is characteristic of this genus - not confined to it alone, but a good clue in identification. As for the idea of an “ID Wanted” thread that goes on forever: well, there certainly are threads that go on forever, and they are tolerated by the admins. An example would be the “World of Warcraft General Discussion” that comes up every single time I do a search for posts with the word “spider.” The only trouble is, there may not be enough of this type of inquiry to keep such a thread viable. The trouble with hijacking a thread that’s been dormant for a few months (as you did) is that people may not notice it’s come back to life, and may never see what you post. Personally, I don’t see what the problem is with creating a new thread for every new question. There is no specific limitation on the number of threads the universe can hold, unless there’s something about that in string theory :). And then if a reader is interested in that specific question, he/she can focus on that without wading through all the irrelevancy that came before. As long as it mentions spiders, I can find it. ---
**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/44 "2009-08-26T12:35:54Z")
From some youtube viewing it seems to me that they move in short, quick bursts. I’m still a bit unsure how to look for these guys. Most land here is forested except where it has been deforested for wood or to provide some farmland. Well, I suppose I should try some area with no trees but still with undergrowth and not within the city. I’m a bit unsure of the search method too. Is it just to get down low and scan around carefully? I suppose it’s better to inspect a small area closely than a large area more cursorly, as they are likely quite small and not moving a lot. ---
**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/45 "2009-08-26T12:45:24Z")
Oh, and note that I didn’t resurrect this thread, the poster before me did. I just found it off the first page, and never even noticed that it was a bit old. In a way, that makes me think the OP won’t really mind the hijack. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![arachnologus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dc4da7/32.png) [@arachnologus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/arachnologus)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/46 "2009-08-27T02:52:05Z")
> [@Henrichek](#): > > I’m a bit unsure of the search method [for jumping spiders] too. Is it just to get down low and scan around carefully? I suppose it’s better to inspect a small area closely than a large area more cursorly, as they are likely quite small and not moving a lot. Since you’re in an area that’s generally forested, find either 1) an area where trees have been logged off and not too dilligently replanted, but has grown up in heath-family shrubs, or 2) the beach meadow zone above a not-too-popular sea beach, or 3) a pasture not too full of cows where the farmer will let you wander about. Do it on a day when the sun is out at least a good part of the time. Try a standing position first, and search in the direction opposite to where your shadow falls (you don’t want a shadow in front of you giving you away). Scan the ground for anything moving in the characteristic jumping spider way. You’ll see them most easily about 3-5 meters away since those that are closer can see you and will either freeze or try to escape. Once you get a little more skilled, you’ll start to recognize the more confined “swivelling” movements they make after they’ve spotted the gigantic human and are watching him with as much concern as their little brains can manage… PS. I never suspected the OP would mind his thread being hijacked. I just wondered how many of the general readership would find their way to this old thread. ---
**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/47 "2009-08-27T03:59:46Z")
I really appreciate your help here, **arachnologus**. If the weather permits I will try again today. > [@arachnologus](#): > > Since you’re in an area that’s generally forested, find either 1) an area where trees have been logged off and not too dilligently replanted, but has grown up in heath-family shrubs, or 2) the beach meadow zone above a not-too-popular sea beach, or 3) a pasture not too full of cows where the farmer will let you wander about. I have a better understanding what plants are in the heath family now. I initially had the wrong impression of what sort of plant growth to look for, since I had only checked the translation in a dictionary which gave the biome name rather than the plant family name. Our forests are pretty much full of them. For example blueberries, heather (Calluna) and others. I should be able to find some unforested areas with related plants. Maybe even forest edges work, if they are on the predominantly sunny side? > [@arachnologus](#): > > Do it on a day when the sun is out at least a good part of the time. Try a standing position first, and search in the direction opposite to where your shadow falls (you don’t want a shadow in front of you giving you away). Scan the ground for anything moving in the characteristic jumping spider way. You’ll see them most easily about 3-5 meters away since those that are closer can see you and will either freeze or try to escape. Understood. I assume that is it best to stand still for some time while scanning, then moving along some meters, stopping, and repeating. Maybe they become easier to spot on the move with experience. If I happen to spot one, are there any specific things to keep in mind while approaching? Here I assume that basic slow and calm movements are preferred. Perhaps I’m going for too many details here, but it might make a difference. In any case, I will make another attempt today. I have had much more success spotting wolf spiders, who seem ubiquitous. Often easily in an area with less plants covering the ground for a less obstructed view. Then they are simply spotted when they sprint across the ground floor to escape. Many thanks! ---
**Author:** ![arachnologus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dc4da7/32.png) [@arachnologus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/arachnologus)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/48 "2009-08-27T06:49:10Z")
For jumping-spider watching: Forest edges should be fine, if what’s beyond the edge is suitable. (Not somebody’s lawn or plowed field or parking lot). I’d try for a steady rather slow movement, constantly scanning ahead of you. Stops and starts might be more noticeable. ---
**Author:** ![lynne-42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lynne-42/32/3138_2.png) [@lynne-42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lynne-42)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/49 "2009-08-27T12:58:50Z")
Most jumping spiders I see are in and around the house. They are very small, but very curious. I have also seen them around houses in Texas. There, they have lots of the the aptly named ‘bold jumping spider’, _Phidippus audax_ - large (for a jumping spider), spectacular and extremely bold. They are found over lots of North America. I’m not sure if jumping spiders are as convenient in Sweden! Most of the small, hyperactive spiders running around the house here seem to be jumping spiders. They have the ability to turn their cephalothorax much more than other spiders, and definitely watch you with their big eyes. I play games with them moving around and getting them to turn. If they are on the other side of a window, you can get them to turn in circles following a finger. Great little critters. ---
**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/50 "2009-08-27T13:07:25Z")
**lynne-42** , here’s another way of playing with them.🙂 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/AKAsRINv5s0/hqdefault.jpg "Cyber spider") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKAsRINv5s0) ---
**Author:** ![lynne-42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lynne-42/32/3138_2.png) [@lynne-42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lynne-42)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/51 "2009-08-27T13:10:15Z")
How wonderfully cute!!! Any way I can get the software? ---
**Author:** ![Henrichek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/5daacb/32.png) [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/52 "2009-08-27T13:17:24Z")
> [@lynne-42](#): > > How wonderfully cute!!! Any way I can get the software? I think one of us is wooshed here, and I suspect it’s you. I think it’s a real spider, and I’m not sure who writes their software ;). ---
**Author:** ![lynne-42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lynne-42/32/3138_2.png) [@lynne-42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lynne-42)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2009, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040/53 "2009-08-29T07:09:27Z")
:smack: I was very impressed with the realism of the movements! I am very easily wooshed. My students used to hold up little “joke” signs so I knew when they were joking. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-spider/492040.md?page=2)