Janice the jumping spider

This blows me away.  

Now, I can stand all types of creepy, crawly things. But truth be told, spiders kinda freak me out ...except for jumping spiders.
Jumping spiders seem to have an 'awareness' or innate curiousity, maybe even so much as a personality, that other spiders lack.  

Evidently, I'm not alone in my fascination and was completely amazed by the following videos.  I watched them in reverse order, but will start with the story of Janice, as it's shorter.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Janice the jumping spider


Do spiders dream?  (Spoiler alert: Yes, it appears that they do).  Not only that, they also have courtship dances  ...totally amazing!

A week or so ago, my daughter bought (?!??) a jumping spider, as a pet. I'm looking forward to watching their journey, together!

That's so cool, Carla!  I hope she enjoys her new pet.

It got me to thinking about getting a terrarium set-up myself, but I have too many projects as it is.  :-)  
Maybe someday when I have a little more time.

What odd timing to see this post!  My wife has just become super into jumping spiders.  Somehow they seem to become more obvious in the fall season and she's "befriended" several as she is preparing food for the animal entourage that she cares for.  For many years, I recall seeing quite small ones....no more than 1/4 inch in size.  But these that we now are seeing are approaching 1/2 inch!