Fun Green Jumping Spider Facts For Kids

There are more than 4000 known jumping spiders in the world, 300 of which are found in the United States and Canada. Green jumping spiders are one among the same family. Their scientific name is Mopsus mormon. They are also popularly called the northern green jumping spider. These jumping spiders are seen in New Guinea and Australia.

Jumping spiders are primarily carnivorous beings and consume insects and other smaller spiders. Female green jumping spiders are bigger in size as compared to male jumping spiders. They build cobwebs which consist of multiple chambers where male and female spiders reside. These spiders are venomous, however, their venom can be treated and does not cause any serious implications. Their eyes face right in front, and their green color makes them camouflage easily into their habitats, although their color is more of a bright green.

For more relatable content, check out these fact files on crab spider and green lynx spider.

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What type of animal is a green jumping spider?

The green jumping spider is a type of spider that belongs to the kingdom Animalia and the order Araneae.

What class of animal does a green jumping spider belong to?

Green jumping spiders are known by their scientific name Mopsus mormon and belong to the class Arachinida and the family Salticidae.

How many green jumping spiders are there in the world?

The green jumping spider's exact population in the world is not evaluated. There are more than 4000 known jumping spiders in the world. They are mostly seen in Australia and New Guinea. 300 spiders of of this family are found in the United States and Canada.

Where does a green jumping spider live?

Green jumping spiders live in New Guinea and Australia on are found on leaves. They build their webs here and are able to find prey easily. The green jumping spider is the only one that belongs to the genus Mopsus. They don't build a nest-like other animals.

What is a green jumping spider's habitat?

A green spider's habitat constitutes gardens, trees, and backyards. They primarily feed on insects and smaller spiders. They are mostly sedentary beings and don't change their habitat unless absolutely necessary. Owing to their bright green color, they often camouflage into the leaves, saving them from predators like a lizard or a toad. They are found in Australia and New Guinea. They don't build nests like other animals.

Who do green jumping spiders live with?

Jumping spiders live alone. Even if they stay in webs together, they stay in their own compartments. Jumping spiders do not enjoy socializing with other spiders, even their own kind, and have a tendency to be cannibals of their own.

How long does a green jumping spider live?

The exact lifespan of a green jumping spider is not known. Jumping spiders are estimated to live up to one year. The oldest spider ever recover was named number 16 and aged 63 years. It is the longest living spider to date.

How do they reproduce?

Male and female jumping spiders reproduce sexually. Males ejaculate onto ready-made sperm and transfer their sperm into syringe-like tips on their palps. Males then arch their bodies over to the female by sinking on carefully. Females are capable of storing sperm from multiple males, and the females can lay them together. Smaller males are consumed by the female. Once they mate, bigger males might escape. Some females may eat their own as well. Females lay up to 125 or more eggs in egg sacs on leaves. They don't build nests like other animals. The female spins a sheet of silk and attaches her eggs to it.

What is their conservation status?

The green jumping spider's conservation status is Not Evaluated by the IUCN.  

What do green jumping spiders look like?

Green jumping spiders are often confused with a magnolia green jumping spider. Magnolia green jumping spiders are a similar family species but different. Their scientific name is Mopsus mormon. Green jumping spiders are green in color and they have two black stripes, which are dark on their body. They have four colored eyes with white patches around their eyes. Their head is relatively small compared to their legs which are longer. They have a total of eight legs. Their legs are slender and help them jump.

Females tend to be bigger in size compared to males. Males have a dark green body with a redhead, and females have a mix of green, black, and white and can be brownish-red. Males have longer whiskers compared to females, and these whiskers are surrounded by black hairs. Females lack these but have a red and white mask on their faces. Their body weight is 0.0005 oz (13.5 mg). They traverse from one place to another through jumps.

How cute are they?

These spiders are not cute and bite if approached, so it's safer to observe them with proper precautions and safety measures. They are exotic beings, and this spider moves mostly in its home range.

How do they communicate?

Most communication happens during mating season. There are a plethora of courtship displays which males use to attract possible female mates. They also communicate through the use of vibrations and aren't necessarily the most sociable beings.

How big is a green jumping spider?

The male green jumping spider is 0.6 in (1.5 cm) in body length, and a female is 0.8 in (2 cm) in body length, which is 20 times bigger than the smallest spider in the world, which is the Patu digua which is 0.4 in (10.2 cm) in body length.  

How fast can green jumping spiders move?

The green jumping spider exact speed is not known. However, as their name suggests, they jump to move from one place to another. Their jump is a unique identifying feature in these species. They use a layer of silk to secure their risk when they jump.

How much does a green jumping spider weigh?

The green jumping spider body weighs 0.0005 oz (13.5 mg). The Goliath birdeater is the world's biggest spider and is brownish-red in color with certain dark patches.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male spiders are called pedipalps, and female spiders are called epigynum. Males and females differ in body length and also differ in reproductive functions.

What would you call a baby green jumping spider?

A baby green jumper can be called a spiderling or spiderlings. The female spider makes egg sacs on leaves with a single curve. Adults don't build nests like other animals.

What do they eat?

This spider's diet is primarily carnivorous. They primarily feed on insects and other smaller spiders. Some jumping spiders may eat once a day. Juveniles tend to consume more food compared to other species.

Are they poisonous?

Yes, this species is poisonous and dangerous. It's best to maintain a distance while observing them as they are not friendly. However, their venom is not poisonous enough to cause death. One can be treated for a spider bite.

For predators who consume such species, their stomach digests the venom into soluble mixtures inside their bodies. Another fascinating creature is the bold jumper spider, also called the jumping spider green fangs, similar to the green jumping spider. They use a layer of silk to secure their landing.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, jumping spiders are kept as pets. They are clever beings, and you don't need to worry if they bite you since they only bite if not handled properly. These spiders are exotic beings and might require commitment towards taking care of them. It's essential you research in-depth about keeping them as pets. They can be identified by their two black stripes.

Did you know...

The magnolia green jumping spider (Lyssomanes viridis) is a species from the same family similar to the green jumping spider. The magnolia neon green jumping spider is also known as Lyssomanes viridis.  

The metallic green jumping spider is a small species of jumping spider with small legs and unique dark to light coloration and pattern.

Male spiders also perform a dance to impress female mates.

Are green jumping spider bites dangerous?

Green jumping spider bites can be painful if you are allergic to venom. They are known to bite if they are not handled properly. Their venom is not dangerous enough to kill a human being. They are not poisonous or dangerous and even owned as a pet in some instances. They use a layer of silk to secure their landing.

Why do green jumping spiders stare?

Jumping spiders are effective predators and are constantly searching for prey. They usually just stare at you for some time to check if they can track prey. If they are unable to, they immediately divert their attention. Also, spiders cannot hear like humans and use their eyes. They cannot recognize an owner's voice, but they can identify them by sight. Jumping spiders have four sets of eyes.  

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these whip spider facts and southern house spider facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable jumping-spider coloring pages.