There are over 6,000 species of jumping spiders (Salticidae), making them the largest family of spiders. These spiders have some of the best vision among arthropods and vary greatly in size, ranging from 1 mm to 25 mm (0.04 to 0.98 inches). They have four front-facing eyes and large, furry front legs.

Although I usually walk briskly in the opposite direction when I see spiders, I have a particular fondness for jumping spiders in our backyard. We only have a few very tiny species here, and I’m not sure I would feel the same way if I encountered a larger, inch-long spider that jumps.

One Saturday in July, while watering our two Gingersnap roses, I spotted what I initially thought was a tiny, metallic blue bug. I quickly ran into the house to grab my camera. Fortunately, the spider remained on the rose petal. I took several photographs before it decided to hide within the flower’s depths.

After downloading the photos and reviewing them, I realized that the spider didn’t look metallic blue at all. Nonetheless, it was very handsome and a species I hadn’t seen before (or since).