Last time we looked at spiders in general. Now let's consider those specifically called jumping spiders. There are some 4,000 varieties of these little creatures. All of them are small, less than 3/4 of an inch long, and are the most colorful of all spiders. While frequently found in parts of North America and Europe, the greatest number prefer warm climates, such as Central America, northern South America, New Zealand and Australia. Many of you have probably seen these little spiders on your windowsills or screens in the summer.
Jumping spiders are provided with unusual eyes—some of them having as many as eight. This enables them to see motion in just about every direction and all at the same time. They can also spot birds or other enemies that might be a threat to them.
In contrast to the vast number of other spiders, jumping spiders do not weave webs and then wait for insects to get caught in them. Instead, they creep up on their prey or lie in wait and then pounce on their victims. Although their legs are short, they can jump more than forty times the length of their bodies!
Finding a good spot on a big bare rock or bare limb of a tree, a jumper first anchors a silk thread (called a dragline) so it can climb back up in case it misses its prey. It seldom has to wait very long before spotting a fly, mosquito or other insect that is perhaps a distance of four to eight inches away.
How can it get to that insect that is suddenly visible? The fourth pair of legs supplies most of the jumping power, and the dragline stretches out to match the length of the jump being made. Having feasted on its catch, the spider may explore a bit for more food and then follows the dragline all the way back to its starting point where the line is discarded.
Incidentally, in spite of the trailing dragline, these jumps are so fast and silent that an intended victim usually gets caught. The spider injects a tiny bit of poison, and then it devours its catch. Afterwards, it looks around for other potential victims before climbing back up its dragline.
Read again the Bible verse at the top of the page. How foolish it is for anyone to just try to forget about God and take up with the temporary pleasures of this world. This verse tells us that a course of this nature will trap them like a spider's web. Another verse tells us, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:66In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6)). Which verse applies to you?
ML-03/09/2008