September 13, 2025

This is a Gray Wall Jumping Spider

She has 8 eyes, I am jealous of her

If I had 8 eyes -

To no one's surprise

They would all be for David, no other.

If you see my sweetheart today, wish him a happy birthday! 

Location: Lake Butler, FL

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/27204

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

May 25, 2024

I am a female Gray Wall Jumping spider

In Florida, I'm not native, but I don't cause any trouble

When I see with my big eyes

Mosquitos and flies

I jump and gobble them down on the double!

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.htm

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

July 1, 2023

I am a female Gray Wall Jumping Spider

My mate is dark where I am white

I like to snack on Diptera

And sometimes flies that are larger than I!

Location: Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 17, 2022

I am a male Gray Wall Jumping Spider

I'm mostly black in the middle of my abdomen

I eat things you despise

Like mosquitoes and flies

So if you see me, consider it a good omen!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 11, 2021

I am a Gray Wall Jumping Spider

On a cement wall, I'm easily disguised

But I can see in color and easily find prey

With my extra large two front eyes.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources:  http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/jumping_spiders.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 2, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

I am a male Gray Wall Jumping Spider,
Diptera are my favorite snack
I don't build webs to catch my prey
I just jump when I want to attack.
I have excellent vision with my 2 front eyes
And I can see colors, not just white and black.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Jumping Spiders

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson