Toxeus Magnus is a unique species of jumping spider with lots of amazing things going for it. While this jumping spider species is endemic to the island of South Asia and Taiwan, what we have come to love about the Toxeus Magnus is its mindblowing potentials.
Of course, we have come across many jaw-dropping spiders, but none of them come close to Toxeus Magnus, and you’ll learn why soon.
Just to give you a tip of the iceberg, our leaper friends, especially females, mimic ants and secrete nutritious milk-like substances they use to feed their young. So, if you’re interested in learning more about a spider that doesn’t only sport bright color but can also secrete never before seen milk-like substance, this is your opportunity to do so.
Stay with us to learn everything you need to know about our furry friends.
What is their scientific name?
While most spider enthusiasts will call them the milk-producing jumping spider, our leaper friends are scientifically referred to as Toxeus Magnus. They belong to the genus Toxeus, even though they were originally classified as members of the genus Myrmarachne.
The unique thing about our spider friend is that it is notable for being a non-mammalian, even though it nurtures its young ones through a form of lactation.
Besides the fact that Toxeus Magnus secret milk-like fluids, they are believed to possess unusual social behaviors you’ll not see with other jumping spider species. Of the over 48,000 known species of spiders, only a couple of them can tolerate the company of others (including their youngs) for more than three weeks. Plus, only 30 species of spiders are believed to engage in life-long social lives.
Where are they from?
Because jumping spiders are known to thrive very well in almost all environments, jumping spider species like the Toxeus Magnus have become an introduced species in temperate and tropical regions. That said, our spider friends are a native of the island of Taiwan and South Asia.
So if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the Toxeus Magnus, this is where you should be looking.
Physical description and size?
In terms of physical description, Toxeus Magnus doesn’t have so much going for it. While both sexes have a predominantly black body, they don’t have a lot of hairs like other jumping spiders we have come across.
Another unique thing about this jumping spider species is their impressively long legs. This allows them to leap almost eight times their body length. And if you know anything about jumping spiders, you’ll know that having extremely long legs is suitable for hunting.
Besides their leg longs, Toxeus Magnus has advanced eyesight. This allows them to stalk their prey and hunt them down with utmost precision.
Although they may not be the best hunters out there, our leaper friends can fend for themselves in the wild. Plus, their impeccable jumping skills come in handy when evading predators.
When it comes to size, females are slightly bigger than their male counterparts. While the females measure between 8-12 mm, males measure between 7-10mm.
What do they eat?
In the wild, Toxeus Magnus will feed on small and large insects, including mosquitoes, flies, crickets, grasshoppers, and other small spiders. And because they have brilliant eyesight and impeccable jumping skills, they can patiently stalk their prey, lure them closer and pounce on them without warning.
From observation, Toxeus Magnus likes to hunt during the day. However, as they age, their hunting skills become limited.
On the flip side, if you plan to keep our leaper friends in captivity, you’ll have to make provision for their feeding. Thankfully, this shouldn’t be a problem, especially considering the fact that you can catch feeder insects or order some from pet stores close to you. And because Toxeus Magnus does not eat very much, feeding it once every two to three days is perfectly okay.
Taxes Magnus and milk production
One thing that blows our mind away when we talk about this exciting species of jumping spiders is the fact that they produce milk-like substance they use to nurture their young ones. Sure, we have come across many incredible things about jumping spiders, but this has to be the most intriguing.
In terms of feeding their young, experts believe that Toxeus Magnus nurtures their offspring for 38 days even though they can forage independently after 21 days. Findings also revealed that the white milk-like substance excreted by females of this jumping spider species contain sugar, fat, and protein.
What is their temperament?
Just like other jumping spider species out there, Toxeus Magnus isn’t aggressive to humans. Even though they are vicious hunters who release potent venoms that can incapacitate their prey, their venom doesn’t harm humans.
And unless our spider friends feel threatened or handled roughly, they rarely bite.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans
Despite the not so cool things you must have heard about spiders, jumping spider species like Taxeus Magnus are not dangerous to humans. Sure, they have venoms that are strong enough to paralyze their prey, their venom isn’t harmful to humans.
And if you ever get bitten by this jumping spider, you’ll only experience mild pain and minor irritations that disappear after a few days.
And unless you’re allergic to spider bites, been bitten by Taxeus Magnus will not cause any severe harm.
Frequently asked questions: Learn more about Toxeus Magnus
Do they produce milk?
There is no doubt that Toxeus Magnus has so much going for it, but one striking detail about this spider is that it produces a milk-like substance that it uses to feed its young.
How long can Toxeus Magnus survive without food?
While most spiders can go a week without food, anything more than this may cause serious consequences, including death. Ideally, jumping spiders should be fed at least once every two to three days.
What is their lifespan?
If you know anything about jumping spiders, you’ll know for sure that they have a very short lifespan. That said, jumping spider species like the Toxeus Magnus can survive for nearly six months to one year.
