Tiny tiny baby Jumping spiders

IPClark

I recently captured a jumper in a glass (as is the common method when it runs across your desk). Intending to return to it a little later and take some shots once it had calmed down, I got back and found that it had quite happily deposited Four egg sacs in the glass. So, I waited a few days. Eventually, the eggs hatched and I found myself with 4 baby jumpers and an adult female who might I add was very protective of her little brood. Anyway, having failed miserably to actually get a shot of the happy mother, I coaxed a couple of the little guys onto my desk and onto a small leaf. I've posted all of the shots I took simply because I can't decide which ones not to post.. lol

All shots were taken with the Sigma 105 with all 3 Extension tubes on. External speedlite flash. Hand held because the little guys were moving around. Also, All shots (except one) taken 1/200th @ F11, ISO 100. A number of the shots are also taken with the spiderling next to a 2 cm long pin.. YES, a pin!!! One of those you would find in a new shirt

Both the little spiders were returned to their glass with the others and their mother. I've now placed the glass outside in a flower bed to let them get on with whatever they'll do.

Size reference shots: Spiderlings on a leaf with the pin (2cm long).









Just to point out, the head of the pin is approximately 2mm in diameter.



Head size? Less than 1mm across



Back onto the leaf





These next two shots, is the other spiderling. Either it's deformed or it just hasn't developed as much yet. I would be inclined to think it's the latter



You can just see those big eyes developing



Spider Siblings

Lord Vetinari

Wonderful shots and story
Brian v.

Chrissiebeez_NL

very cool!

PeterD-2009

Great series of images and background info. I too would have been loath to remove any of these images from the series.

Thanks for posting.

rhermans

strange I'm sure I already replied to this post, must be the heat messing with the internet.

Great series, and I'm really amazed by the fact that you noticed those egg sacks. Can't have been bigger that those little once that hatched.

Also I never expected that the smallest wasn't fully developed yet.

IPClark

Thank you all, for your kind comments. I have to say I'm very pleased at getting these. What with being so small, to capture the detail is very pleasing
I'd have SO loved to have shot these with an MPE-65 though

GOLDENORFE

so cute!

phil