Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders have a very distinctive, flat-faced, big-eyed appearance that is difficult to confuse with other kinds of spiders. They also have a unique, herky-jerky way of moving. Most are small and hairy. Like all spiders, jumping spiders have 8 legs, 2 body parts, and no antennae. Eight eyes are present on jumping spiders, although 1 pair is often so small that it appears as though there are only 6 eyes. One pair of eyes is always very large and directed forward, almost like human eyes.

Jumping spiders do not build a web to catch prey. Instead, they use their silk in a different way. When jumping spiders jump, they always attach a silk line. That way, if they miss their target they they can climb back up and try the jump again.

Jumping spiders are among the fastest creatures in the arthropod world. Their speed and keen eyesight allow them to pounce on flies, crickets, and even other spiders with amazing accuracy. A resent study showed jumping spiders can remember the exact location of their prey even when they cannot see it. They can locate prey, move closer behind cover and still jump on the prey without ever reconfirming its location.

Source: University of Kentucky Department of Entomology.

This is probably a jumping spider in the genus Phidippus.

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Jumping Spider