The Lyssomanes are a genus of jumping spiders that belongs to the family Salticidae. This jumping spider is widely spread and ranges from the Southern United States to South and Central America. At the moment, this genus of jumping spiders has 9′ ‘4 extant and two fossil species that have been extensively described across the Neotropical Region.
Our leaper friends are easy to identify, and that’s all thanks to their long legs and translucent bodies, which are mostly green or yellow. They look very much like the lynx spider, except that the Lyssomanes have large anterior median eyes.
What is their scientific name?
Although our leaper friends are commonly referred to as the magnolia green jumper, they are scientifically called Lyssomanes Viridis. And as we mentioned earlier, this jumping spider belongs to the genus Lyssomanes.
While our spider friend is native to the United States and commonly sighted in big cities like Texas and across the Southeastern United States, they have also been spotted in Mexico and the Guatemala regions.
Physical description and size
Compared to other jumping spider species, the Lyssomanes are relatively small for a jumping spider. To start with, adult females of this spider measure between 7 to 8 mm while their male counterparts measure between 5 to 6 mm.
Most of the Lyssomanes we have come across appear a little pale and sport partially translucent green bodies. Additionally, they have small fringes of scales, mostly orange, red, yellow, or white, on the crown of their heads.
The Lyssomanes jumping spider has longer legs, which explains why it can leap almost eight times its body’s size.
Like other Salticids, our leaper friends boast of a highly complex eye and well-developed vision. Their anterior median eyes have that unmistakable telephoto quality most jumping spiders are known for. They also share unique features with the eyes of some species that evolved earlier than salticids.
As with many Salticidae, adult males of the Lyssomanes jumping spiders have brightly colored and large chelicerae, which they use as weapons during contests. Plus, they tend to wave their forelegs during visual agnostic displays.
Adult females of these jumping spiders have more muted colours, plus significantly lowered allometric slopes than their male counterparts. When males come across each other, they tend to wave their forelegs and will often confront each other until one of them decides to retreat.
Where are they from?
The Lyssomanes jumping spider is widely spread and has been commonly sighted in most Southeastern states across the US like Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Outside of the US, our leaper friends have been sighted as far as Mexico’s eastern parts and the South of Guatemala. While they have been much rarer sightings of the Lyssomanes in Venezuela, our spider friends have also been seen as far as the west of Colorado. In Florida, the Lyssomanes have a vast population and have been mainly observed in citrus Orchards and Mexico’s subtropical forests.
Habitat and distribution
Lyssomanes jumping spiders prefer to hang around the broad leaves of magnolia trees. Even though they like to stay around warm and humid forests, they are also spotted in dryer climates, particularly on maple, oak, and other trees. Similarly, they are spotted on bushes that are lower to the ground.
Both males and females of this jumping spider species display visual and vibratory signals. These signals allow them to communicate with one another in a bid to initiate mating.
Diet/food
The Lyssomanes is an impeccable jumping spider with impressive vision and jumping skills that allows it to fend for itself in the wild. Using its extraordinary eyesight, the Lyssomanes will patiently stalk its prey and take it out using its devastating jumping skills.
While our leaper friend will occasionally subsist on inhabiting plants, it will feed on small insects like aphids, ants, mites, and other small spiders in the wild.
However, if you plan to raise them in captivity, you have to ensure they feed correctly, and part of ensuring that they feed properly will mean providing feeder insects you can either catch around your home or get from pet stores close to you.
What is their temperament?
Like most jumping spiders, the Lyssomanes jumping spider is harmless to humans. Even though they are aggressive and will viciously attack their prey, their first instinct is to get away when they encounter humans.
And because they look bright, colorful, and friendly, many exotic pet lovers wouldn’t mind adding our spider friends to their collections.
So, if you’re looking for a friendly spider you can raise as a pet, you’ll not be disappointed to get a Lyssomanes jumping spider. And because they thrive very well in almost all environments they are introduced to, you can raise them in a terrarium without any problem.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans?
Over the years, spiders have earned a pretty bad reputation for themselves, as many people tend to freak out when they come across them. But guess what? All that is now changing, and that’s all thanks to jumping spiders who are trying to change the perspective that many people have about spiders.
While our leaper friends are vicious and have potent venom that can paralyze their prey, their venom isn’t harmful to humans. Except you’re allergic to spider venom, a bite from the Lysomannes shouldn’t cause you any harm.
Frequently asked questions
Do they use webs for hunting?
Like most jumping spiders, the lyssomanes viridis don’t use webs for hunting. Instead, it uses its brilliant vision to stalk its prey and take it out with its devastating jump.
How often do they eat?
It’s a known fact that jumping spiders don’t eat very much. Plus, they can go for a week without food. That said, if you intend to keep them in captivity, then feeding them once every couple of days is okay.
Do they make great pets?
Because of their friendly nature, elegant colors, and intelligent displays, jumping spiders such as the Lysomannes will make great pets.
