These teeny spiders are social media stars

The New York Times turned to a biologist at the University of Cincinnati to help explain why jumping spiders have become social media darlings.

Popular content creators share daily life with their tiny eight-legged companions, which feature solicitous postures, oversized eyes — at least the front two — and bright colors. The interest in these unusual pets has created a cottage industry of spider breeders.

“People are really just discovering how clever and charming these animals are,” ecologist and UC College of Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Nathan Morehouse told the New York Times.

“If you as a person are interacting with them as a pet, you quickly begin to realize they’re paying attention to you very closely.”

Morehouse has studied spiders around the world. With their vivid colors, jumping spiders have surprisingly complex social behaviors.

In a study published last year, Morehouse and his students discovered that one Australian species of jumping spider mimics the face of a predatory wasp, possibly to get would-be mates to freeze in place long enough for them to get close enough to break the spell and begin their courtship dance. 

Spider aficionados told the New York Times that the little social media stars are showing people the gentler side of this maligned creature.

Featured image at top: Jumping spiders are found on six continents around the world. Some people have adopted them as pets. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC