Among all the tiny creatures I encountered in the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Australia, jumping spiders instantly won my heart. How can you resist their big, expressive eyes? Sometimes surprised, playful, or even grumpy, they are fascinating and surprisingly endearing.
Here is a glimpse of the species you might come across around Cairns and, for some, in other parts of Queensland or Australia. I will also share a few tips on how to photograph them and capture their unique personalities.
According to me, the male Mopsus mormon is basically the rockstar of jumping spiders! With his striking green body and sharply defined black markings, he wears a natural pair of “sunglasses” thanks to the white hairs surrounding his large eyes. He is impossible to miss! Fairly large for a jumping spider (around 12 mm), he is also pretty chill in front of the camera. While some creatures flee from the paparazzi, this guy strikes a pose with style!
The female, on the other hand, is more discreet in appearance, dressed in shades of green, brown, or beige with a few white markings on her head. But don’t be fooled—she makes up for it with her piercing gaze! Every time I met one, I felt like she was shooting me a death stare as if I had just interrupted a top-secret spider meeting. More reserved than the male, she prefers to stay in the background, playing a game of hide-and-seek with the camera.
If you dream of spotting this fascinating duo, head to Australia (northern New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, or Western Australia) or even Papua New Guinea. Who knows? You might find a male ready for his big moment… or a female perfecting her signature “death glare”!”
Among the jumping spiders of northern Australia, Cosmophasis micarioides is undoubtedly one of the most stylish! With its glossy black body and metallic blue-green reflections, the male looks like he just stepped out of a disco party. The female, on the other hand, sports a mix of orange, purple, and black tones.
Unlike some of its more inquisitive jumping spider cousins, this one is on the shy and ultra-fast side. If you spot one, enjoy the moment—it won’t stick around for long! It loves exploring foliage and will often dart under leaves the moment it feels watched.
If you thought jumping spiders were just adorable little creatures with big, curious eyes, Zenodorus swiftorum might change your mind! This fierce ant-hunting specialist doesn’t mess around. Its favorite meal? The famous green tree ants (Oecophylla smaragdina), which it catches with deadly precision.
I had the pleasure of photographing one mid-meal… let’s just say it wasn’t in the mood to share!
Style-wise, this spider is more understated compared to its flashy cousins. With a black, dark brown, and white color palette, it blends perfectly into its surroundings—an expert at ambushing its prey.
If you want to see it in action, head to northern Australia or Papua New Guinea!
If jumping spiders had a beauty contest, the female Cytaea plumbeiventris might just take home a medal.
She may not be as flashy as some of her cousins, but she has a charm all her own—with her rounded belly and soft yellow-beige tones. In fact, my macro photography teacher, Bridgette, even gave her a nickname: Marilyn Monroe. Why? Because this little spider knows how to captivate, exuding charm while remaining elusive—a true miniature starlet!
With her quick, precise movements, she is always on a secret mission, leaping from leaf to leaf like a tiny spy. Spotting her—let alone capturing a good photo—is a real challenge. She is easily the trickiest spider I have ever tried to photograph!
If you’re up for the challenge, head to northern Australia or Papua New Guinea. With patience and a keen eye, you might just catch a glimpse of her secretive life… before she vanishes in one graceful jump!
If there were a long jump championship for spiders, Bavia aericeps, aka the Leaping Northern Jumping Spider, would be a serious contender for the podium. With her slender body and extra-long legs, she is built for agility and lightning-fast escapes.
I was lucky enough to spot her twice during my walks in the Cairns Botanic Gardens—each time, she put on a show with her impressive leaps before disappearing just as quickly!
If you are hoping to meet this athletic jumper, head to northern Australia, especially Queensland. But be warned: blink, and she will already be gone!
With its compact body and subtle mix of brown and gold tones, Wallace’s Euryattus often goes unnoticed…
Unlike other jumping spiders that spend their time leaping around, this one has a unique habit—it is a little leaf architect! Rather than roaming constantly, it carefully crafts shelters from rolled-up leaves, creating cozy hideouts to rest and stay safe.
If you want to spot one, head to the tropical forests of northern Australia and New Guinea. And don’t forget to check those curled-up leaves—you never know who might be hiding inside!
It seems that jumping spiders prefer to avoid direct sunlight, making them easier to observe early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Some, like Zenodorus swiftorum, love wandering along railings, drawn by the presence of ants—one of their favorite meals—making these spots ideal for sightings.
In general, jumping spiders often hide among flowers, foliage, or tree trunks, but you can also spot them in the nooks and crannies of buildings. However, I have never encountered them outdoors at night.
While some species are incredibly curious, even playful—allowing for close-up encounters—others are more timid, requiring patience and slow movements to avoid startling them.
If you enjoyed discovering these fascinating little creatures, don’t miss my article on the Cairns Botanic Gardens, where I share more portraits of the incredible species I have observed.
See you soon in the tiny, wonderful world of macro photography!
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