Hasarius adansoni, commonly known as Adanson’s House Jumper or the Jumping Spider, is part of the Salticidae family, which is renowned for its highly visual hunting methods and distinctive, agile jumping movements. Hasarius adansoni is a small, visually oriented spider known for its vibrant colors and patterns, which can vary significantly among individuals. They possess excellent vision, with large anterior median eyes that allow them to detect and track prey effectively.
Adanson’s House Jumper
Hasarius adansoni
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Arachnida
ORDER
:
Araneae
FAMILY
:
Salticidae
GENUS
:
Hasarius
SPECIES
:
Hasarius adansoni
Other Information
Venomous?
Like most spiders, Hasarius adansoni is venomous and uses its venom to immobilize prey. However, its venom is not considered dangerous to humans, typically causing no more than minor symptoms such as localized pain or itching if bitten.
A Danger to Humans?
There is minimal danger to humans from Hasarius adansoni. They are not aggressive towards humans and tend to bite only if they feel threatened and have no escape route. Bites are rare and not medically significant.
Population Status
Information on the specific population size of Hasarius adansoni is not widely available, but it is known to be a common species in its range. Its population is considered stable, not facing any immediate threats.
Adanson’s House Jumper (Hasarius adansoni), Photo by David Lowenthal
Life Span:
The lifespan of Hasarius adansoni, like many small spiders, can vary but generally spans about 1-2 years, encompassing several molts from spiderling to adult.
Weight and Length:
Being a small spider, Hasarius adansoni typically measures between 5 to 8 mm in length, with females often being slightly larger than males.
Distribution:
Hasarius adansoni is found in warmer climates around the world, for example Malta, India, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Tanzania, and Australia. It has also been introduced worldwide in greenhouses and similar places, for example in several German zoos. In China it is distributed in the provinces of Gansu, Guangxi, Guangdong and Yunnan.
Adanson’s House Jumper (Hasarius adansoni), Photo by David Lowenthal
Habits and Lifestyle:
This species is diurnal, relying on its acute vision for hunting during the day. It does not spin webs to catch prey but instead uses its jumping ability to pounce on insects. Its agility and speed make it a proficient hunter.
Diet and Nutrition:
The diet consists primarily of small insects and other arthropods. Its hunting strategy involves stalking prey until it is close enough to leap onto it, using its venom to immobilize the catch.
Mating Habits:
The mating behavior of Hasarius adansoni involves complex visual and vibratory signals. Males perform elaborate dances to attract females, which include displaying their brightly colored body parts and making intricate movements. Successful males will mate with the female, who then lays eggs and guards them until they hatch.