The Hunt

Cosmophasis

This is one of those cute little jumping spiders, hunting for breakfast. Jumpers have terrific eyesight compared to all other species of arachnid and have the characteristic two large eyes in the front. This gives them that startled cute look when photographed from the front, quite an easy shot to obtain, as the spider tries to outstare the camera lens. The spider always wins, seeing as it has no eyelids!

The spider can spot its prey from several feet away and will approach in a series of rapid, jerky movements, which are refined as it gets closer. Finally it jumps onto the back of the fly, often bigger than itself and the game is over.

I am finding several sub-species of cosmophasis, but having no luck in finding an accurate identification. The patterns on my finds are significantly different to those published on the web. I am still looking for a good expert website, that I could submit my findings to.

Dave