Phidippus - Jumping spider

Have you ever noticed something jump across your arm while outside or perhaps seen a tiny figure scurry rapidly on patio furniture? It’s possible you encountered the adorable jumping spider, a member of the Salticidae family! These animated arthropods are commonly found throughout Quebec. Known for their exceptional vision and distinctive jumping abilities, they use these skills to pounce on prey or evade predators. With their large front eyes, jumping spiders are fascinating to watch— they appear almost cartoon like. If you focus on a specific area and keep an eye out for sudden movement, you might just spot one in the wild!

In 2023, Creek 53 welcomed its first researcher, Savannah Burroughs, an undergraduate honours student from McGill University. Burroughs played a crucial role in assisting our conservancy with biodiversity surveys to document species like the jumping spider. By setting up pitfall and pan traps across the territory, we were able to identify and protect these tiny members of our ecosystems. This research was even presented at the Entomological Society of Ontario!

These spiders are not unique to Creek 53; you may find them in your garden or even in your home. They play a key role in preserving Quebec's biodiversity by controlling insect populations (they eat mosquitoes!) and maintaining the ecological balance for us and the rest of wildlife. Protecting their habitats ensures that these beneficial spiders can continue to thrive, contributing to the health of our environment for future generations to come.

Photo: Savannah Burroughs