Sometimes I manage to take capture shots of wild creatures in really unusual locations. I spotted this jumping spider yesterday on the roof of my car when I was reaching inside the car to grab my camera and begin a search for dragonflies. This was a case when I happened to have the right tool in my hand at the right moment—my macro lens helped me to capture some wonderful close-up shots.
The spider was tiny—I’d estimate that it was less than half in inch (12 mm) as I faced it. My body position was awkward as I stood in the door opening and tried to balance my elbows on the roof of the car and look through the viewfinder. Fortunately I was able to place the lens on the roof, which helped me to keep it stable.
The spider did not appear to be at all frightened by my presence and in fact seemed quite curious. These three shots show some of the spider’s poses as we conducted an impromptu portrait session that highlighted the spider’s engaging personality. If you click on the images, you can see reflections of the sky in many of the spider’s eyes and the reflection of the entire spider on the car was a nice bonus.
The spiky tufts on the spider’s head helped me in trying to identify the spider and I am relatively sure that it is a Putnam’s Jumping Spider (Phidippus putnami). However, there are a huge number of species of jumping spiders, so I defer to others who have more expertise with spiders.
Jumping spiders are amazing. They do not use webs but instead rely on their speed and agility—they can reportedly jump over 50 times their own body length. A number of years ago I shot a series of photos of a Bold Jumping Spider that had captured a much larger dragonfly. I encourage you to check out that 2014 posting called Spider captures dragonfly—the story to see some images that are both startling and fascinating and to learn more details of that encounter.
In case you are curious, I drive a coppery-colored KIA Soul that is technically “Ignition Orange.” This distinctive color made a wonderful background for this beautiful spider. Apparently, spiders like my car. As I researched my own blog, I came across a posting from March 2014 entitled Spider on my car that also featured a jumping spider and one from September 2017 entitled Tiny Hitchhiker that featured a small crab spider.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I love the reflections. He looks to be a bit of a curmudgeon, but I guess he can’t help that.
Thanks, Dan. I am no expert in spider expressions, but what I see attitude and character in what you describe as a “curmudgeon.” My attitude as I get older is close to that of the little jumping spider, so “curmudgeon” may hit a little close to home. 🙂
No offense intended, Mike 😏
None taken. 🙂
Wow. That’s awesome. I think all four black dots are eyes, but it so looks like a face humans are familiar with. The two small eyes and a nose. Lol. Those hunting spiders are so fierce. Standing it’s ground.
And I love the “eye shine” on those spiders that hunt at night. I see dozens in the leaf litter around my house. It reminds me of the tiny ecosystems I unknowingly disrupt pretty much anytime I do anything outside. Rake, cut back shrubs, empty standing water. 🙁
Thanks, Cindy. I too can see a smiling face on the spider. It is pretty amazing to think of all the things happening in nature all around us and all of those tiny ecosystems to which you referred. I echo your “Wow!” comment. 🙂
Wow, indeed! Great captures, Mike, and way to go taking advantage of an unexpected encounter. The angle and reflection in the car make stunning portraits of this minuscule fellow.
Thanks, Ellen. I was a Boy Scout when I was growing up and even now I try to follow the “Be prepared” Scout motto. 🙂 I was lucky to have had the opportunity and happy that I was able to take advantage of it so well.
I always wanted to shot jumping spider but never had a successful attempts. The reflection shots are awesome. Great shots.
Thanks. I was pretty lucky to get these shots and the reflections really made the images stand out.
Not a fan of spiders as you know, however… WOW to these incredible photographs. The best I have seen.
On another note, KIA Soul is the vehicle of choice for all the interesting photographers. High off the ground and goes where others need 4 wheel drive. 😂😂. Chuck Taylors optional.
Thanks, Ted. I bought my KIA Soul over ten years ago when they were targeting the car to a young, hip audience–you may remember the rapping hamsters. Even now, I like my cool, quirky car.
I love mine and they go anywhere 😂😂
Very nice spider images Mike! Enjoyed seeing your images! Plus your car color made for a Great background! Now I am waiting for a dragonfly on your car image!😊
Thanks, Reed. My car has a roof-mounted antenna and I once spotted a dragonfly perched on the antenna. Alas, it flew away before I could get a shot. Last year I did get a shot of red-footed cannibalflies mating on my car (https://michaelqpowell.com/2020/08/07/mating-on-my-car/), so there is a chance that I will eventually get that dragonfly shot. 🙂
Four pairs of eyes for it’s “Surround Vision” hunting secret power… The reflected light and color gives it even more soul. Just sayin’
Carol
Your comment bought a smile to my face. It boggles my mind to think about the images that a spider can see with all of my eyes. My car’s name is perfect for all kinds of word plays. I was going to try to work into the posting the idea that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but ended up not doing so. I remember being amused when I had to call my auto insurance company after someone ran into me and reported damage to my Soul–I thought they might connect me to a priest. 🙂
Love the look of it’s eyes.
Thanks, Louella. The large eyes of jumping spiders never fail to amaze and entrance me.
I absolutely LOVE these photos! What an adorable spider. Those big dark eyes are so endearing and I love the spikes. He has such a lot of character and attitude.
Thanks, Laura. I anticipated that you would like my spider a lot. This spider’s character and charm are so endearing that I am hoping to convert a few spider-haters. 🙂
Add Spider Advocate to your resume.
Outstanding series of macro photographs, Mike!
Jumping spiders are full of personality and you certainly captured this one well.
I reckon you’ll have to change the photographers’ goal of shooting during the “golden hour” to during the “ignition orange hour”! 🙂
Thanks, Wally. This spider was fun to work with–I could have not asked for a more cooperative subject. I like your color suggestion. More often than not, though, I have been shooting recently in light that is closer to the color of my previous car–a Toyota Matrix that was an extremely bright Solar Yellow. 🙂
Magnificent micros, Mike! That is one super spider.
Thanks, Pete. I’ve seen some other jumping spider species, but this was a new one for me. It has a very distinctive “look” that I was happy to be able to capture so well.
I love these spiders. I see them quite often, but I’ve never tried photographing them. You did a splendid job.
Thanks. It is cool to be able to show folks the details of subjects that may be all around, but are too small to truly appreciate with the naked eye.
What an exceptional opportunity to photograph this spider on such a beautiful reflective surface. Beautiful result 🙂
Thanks, Rudi. This, of course, was totally unexpected and I was really happy that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity. I wish I could get the spider to pose on some different colored cars now. 🙂
I LOVE jumping spiders! They have some of the most entertaining habits and poses, and I like that they don’t really seem to be afraid of us. I have had them jump right on my while photographing them. You got some awesome shots of that little guy, and it’s awesome the way your car paint reflects him. I may have to go buy an “ignition orange” car! LOL
Thanks. Jumping spiders are definitely cooler and a lot more fun than your average spider. I don’t see them very often, so I like to take advantage of every chance I get to photograph one. I was really lucky that this one chose the reflective surface of my car for its perch. I love the my orange car, but it is definitely not a color that most people want in a car. I suspect that is why KIA ceased offering that color option after only one year of production. 🙂