The Latvian Entomological Society has brought the whole jumping spider Salticidae family into the spotlight this year. Three species are known to jump around Latvia: Salticus cingulatus, Salticus scenicus and Salticus zebraneus. In Latvian, the name of the family comes precisely from the latter - the 'zebra spider', due to its beautiful pattern.
Jumping spiders do indeed jump - entomologists say they are likely to do a little swaying dance (a tarantella perhaps?) before leaping upwards. Younger ones might even use a strand of their web to travel Spiderman-style with the wind.
However, these arachnids are not known for their web design skills and are quite small, which combined with their impressive jump technique makes for a game of now you see me -- now you don't.
In case you catch one of these in the now you see me state, you are welcome to report sightings and post photos on Dabasdati.lv.
