Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: One of Australia's largest salticids. Females can reach up to 18mm in body length, while the more slender males are around 12-15mm.
Coloration: Males have a brilliant green cephalothorax and abdomen, often with red or yellow markings on the side of the head. The abdomen may have faint white or yellow stripes. Females are typically mottled green, white, yellow, and brown, with reddish-brown tufts of hair around their eyes, providing excellent camouflage.
Key Features: The male's combination of large size, green colouration, a prominent black crest on the head, and a dense 'beard' of white hairs below the front eyes is unmistakable.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Females likely produce one large egg sac per season due to the significant energy investment in creating the robust nest and guarding the eggs for an extended period.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
After mating, the female constructs a large, dense, and often multi-chambered silk nest, usually within a curled leaf or by binding several leaves together. She lays a large clutch of eggs inside and guards it diligently. She will not leave the nest to hunt, defending the eggs until they hatch in several weeks.
Larval Stage
Upon hatching, spiderlings (not larvae) emerge. They are pale and tiny, staying within the protection of the mother's nest for a short period before dispersing.
Pupal Stage
There is no pupal stage in the spider lifecycle. Growth is incremental through the process of moulting.
Adult Stage
After a series of moults over many months, the spider reaches its adult size and sexual maturity. The lifespan is thought to be over a year, possibly approaching two years in ideal conditions, especially for females.
Reproduction Rate
Females likely produce one large egg sac per season due to the significant energy investment in creating the robust nest and guarding the eggs for an extended period.
Generations Per Year
One generation per year is the typical cycle. Spiders maturing in the wet season will breed, and their offspring will grow through the dry season to mature the following year.
Development Time
Development from egg to adult is a lengthy process, taking up to a year, and is highly dependent on the warm, humid climate and consistent food supply of its tropical/subtropical habitat.
Seasonal Cycle
Breeding activity often coincides with the wet season (summer) in northern Australia, when insect prey is most abundant. Juveniles grow and develop during the subsequent months.
Environmental Factors
The lifecycle is tied to the tropical seasons. High humidity is crucial, especially for moulting. Abundant vegetation is required for shelter, hunting, and nesting sites.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Tropical and subtropical rainforests.
- Wet sclerophyll forests along the east coast.
- Lush, well-vegetated suburban gardens and parks.
- Commonly found on broad-leaved plants such as lilly pillies, palms, and ginger plants.
- Mangrove ecosystems.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Found in northern Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and down the east coast into northern New South Wales.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Very common in suburban gardens that provide a lush, tropical-style environment. Also widespread in native forests and bushland within its climatic range.
Native Range
Native to Australia and parts of New Guinea.
Introduced Range
Not known to be introduced elsewhere.
Introduction History
Not applicable.
Current Spread
The species' range is stable and defined by climatic limits.
Limiting Factors
Its distribution is strictly limited by temperature and humidity; it cannot survive in arid or temperate climates with cold winters.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
A diurnal hunter, active during the day. It is often seen patrolling the leaves of shrubs and trees, hunting for prey in the sunlight.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
A formidable carnivore with a broad diet. It is capable of taking relatively large prey thanks to its size and strength.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- There is no evidence that Mopsus mormon can transmit diseases to humans.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
No known allergens are produced by this spider.
Contamination Risk
Zero risk. They live on plants and do not contaminate food or surfaces.
Vulnerable Populations
- The spider poses no significant risk, but due to its large size, a defensive bite could be more painful than that of a smaller spider. It would not cause systemic illness in any population group.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A bite is very unlikely but could occur if handled roughly. Due to its size, a bite may be painful and cause temporary, localized symptoms like sharp pain, redness, and minor swelling around the bite area.
- Symptoms are expected to subside without any specific treatment within a few hours.
- Systemic effects are not expected. If symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical advice, but this is highly improbable.
Transmission Methods
- Not applicable.
Risk Severity
Low. While large, its bite is not considered medically significant. A bite is rare and defensive.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$0. Pest control is not required or appropriate.
Prevention Costs
$0. No prevention is necessary.
Diy Treatment
$0. Any treatment would be harmful to a beneficial species.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None. It is highly beneficial to gardens.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
No impact.
Retail Impact
No impact.
Reputation Damage
No impact.
Operational Disruption
No impact.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
A highly effective predator of many large insects, including some that are significant pests in agriculture and horticulture. Its presence contributes to a balanced ecosystem and reduces pest numbers in gardens, nurseries, and potentially some orchard settings.
Economic Loss
Causes no economic loss. Provides a significant natural pest control service for free.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
None. A bite is rare and minor, not typically requiring medical intervention.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
None.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- 'Infestation' is an incorrect term. Positive signs of its presence are:
- Sighting the large, distinctive spider on plant leaves.
- Finding their large, robust nests made of several leaves bound tightly with white silk.
- Observing them leap between leaves or pounce on large insects.
- Their presence signifies a thriving garden food web.
Physical Evidence
- The most obvious physical evidence is their nest, which is much larger and more weatherproof than those of other jumping spiders.
- The spiders themselves are the main sign.
Behavioral Signs
- Watching them actively hunt during the day.
- Seeing a male perform his courtship display.
- Observing a female guarding her nest.
Seasonal Indicators
- Most visible during the warmer, wetter months of the year (spring and summer) when they are breeding and hunting actively.
- Nests with eggs are most common during the wet season.
Early Warning Signals
- Not applicable. The first sighting is of a beneficial animal, not a pest problem.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- No sanitation is needed to prevent them. They are a sign of a clean, healthy garden, not mess.
Exclusion Methods
- To prevent accidental indoor entry, ensure insect screens are well-maintained and seal gaps around doors and windows. This is a general precaution, as this spider has a strong preference for living on outdoor plants.
Landscaping Tips
- To encourage their presence, plant broad-leaved shrubs and trees like lilly pillies, palms, and gingers.
- Avoid using chemical pesticides. Create a diverse and healthy garden to provide them with prey.
- A lush, well-watered garden will provide the ideal humid microclimate for them.
Monitoring Strategies
- Monitoring is for appreciation. Scan the leaves of garden plants on sunny days to spot them hunting or resting.
- Look for their distinctive leafy nests.
- No traps or control-based monitoring are needed.
Environmental Modification
- No modification is needed for prevention. To support them, one should foster a healthy, complex garden environment.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Never warranted, necessary, or ecologically sound. Do not spray for these spiders.
Biological Control
Not applicable. They are a top-tier invertebrate biological control agent.
Physical Control
If one ends up inside and must be moved, the cup and card technique is effective. Given their large size, use a larger cup. They can be safely relocated to a garden shrub.
Integrated Approach
A responsible IPM strategy would focus on conserving Mopsus mormon as a valuable natural predator.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
None required. Leave them in the garden to do their job.
Home Made Traps
Do not trap this beneficial species.
Deterrent Methods
No deterrents are needed.
Mechanical Control
Limited to the gentle relocation of a misplaced individual from inside a building back to the garden.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Relocation is 100% effective for moving a single spider without harm.
Timeframe
Immediate.
Follow Up Required
None.
Seasonal Considerations
Accidental indoor encounters are most likely during their active season in the warmer months.
Application Techniques
- Use a reasonably sized container to coax the spider into.
- Be mindful of their powerful jump; they can move quickly.
- Release them at the base of a leafy shrub to allow them to climb up.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Never warranted, necessary, or ecologically sound. Do not spray for these spiders.
Biological Control
Not applicable. They are a top-tier invertebrate biological control agent.
Physical Control
If one ends up inside and must be moved, the cup and card technique is effective. Given their large size, use a larger cup. They can be safely relocated to a garden shrub.
Integrated Approach
A responsible IPM strategy would focus on conserving Mopsus mormon as a valuable natural predator.
Professional Treatment Costs
$0. Pest control is not required or appropriate.
Treatment Success Rates
Relocation is 100% effective for moving a single spider without harm.
Treatment Timeframe
Immediate.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
As temperatures rise, activity increases. Mating and breeding season begins.
Summer Activity
Peak activity, corresponding to the wet season in the tropics. Hunting is frequent, and females build nests and guard eggs. This is when they are most commonly seen.
Autumn Activity
Juveniles from the summer's brood are growing. Adult activity may decline.
Winter Activity
In the cooler, drier parts of their range, they become less active, sheltering in their nests or other protected spots. In the true tropics, activity may continue year-round at a reduced pace.
Breeding Season
Primarily in the late spring and summer (wet season).
Peak Activity Period
Not an infestation species. Most abundant and visible during the summer.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
High temperatures and humidity are triggers for peak activity and breeding.
Humidity Effects
Crucial for survival, especially during moulting. Their range is defined by high humidity.
Photoperiod Effects
Longer days and warmer weather signal the start of the breeding cycle.
Weather Patterns
Active in sunny weather, will shelter from heavy rain but are well-adapted to a wet environment.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
A highly beneficial native species, not a pest.
Control Regulations
No control regulations exist. The focus is on conservation.
Professional Requirements
Not applicable, as it is not a pest species.
Environmental Considerations
Preserving its habitat of lush forests and gardens is key. Avoiding pesticide use is critical for its conservation, as it is a valuable part of the local food web.
Compliance Requirements
- There are no legal compliance needs for property owners regarding this spider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Northern Green Jumping Spider different from other spiders?
The Northern Green Jumping Spider stands out for several reasons. Firstly, its size: it is one of the largest jumping spiders in Australia, and indeed, the world. Secondly, the male's appearance is truly extraordinary and unique. He possesses a vibrant green body, a prominent crest of black hairs on his head that gives him a 'mohawk' look, and a striking tuft of white hairs under his main eyes, resembling a bushy white beard. This is a stark contrast to the female, who is even larger but has mottled, cryptic colouring for camouflage. Thirdly, they are exceptional builders. The female constructs a remarkably large and durable nest by weaving several leaves together with strong silk, where she will guard her eggs diligently. Unlike web-building spiders, they are active, intelligent hunters, and their size allows them to tackle very large prey, including other spiders and even small lizards.
Is the Northern Green Jumping Spider dangerous to humans?
No, this spider is not considered dangerous to humans. While it is large and may look intimidating to some, its venom is not medically significant to people. They are also very shy and non-aggressive towards humans, with a strong instinct to flee rather than fight. A bite would be an extremely rare event, only occurring as a last resort if the spider were being crushed or roughly handled. Due to its large fangs, a defensive bite would likely be painful initially, causing localized pain, redness, and slight swelling, but it would not cause any systemic illness or require specific medical treatment. They are a safe and fascinating spider to observe in the garden.
How do I get rid of Northern Green Jumping Spiders?
There is absolutely no need to 'get rid of' these magnificent spiders. *Mopsus mormon* is a highly beneficial predator that plays a valuable role in controlling insect populations in your garden, including pests like flies, moths, and cockroaches. They are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Killing them would be eliminating a natural pest controller. If you find one in a place where it absolutely cannot stay, such as inside your house, the best and only recommended action is to gently and safely relocate it. Use a large jar or container and a piece of stiff card to carefully coax the spider in, then release it onto a leafy shrub in your garden where it can continue its beneficial work.
How can I prevent Northern Green Jumping Spiders from coming into my house?
These spiders are plant-dwellers and strongly prefer to be outdoors. An individual might occasionally wander inside by mistake, but they will not infest your home. The best way to prevent these accidental entries is by ensuring your home is well-sealed. Check that your window and door screens are in good repair, with no holes. Seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, foundation, or around pipes and vents. This general maintenance will prevent not only these harmless spiders from getting in but also a wide range of actual household pests. No specific measures targeting *Mopsus mormon* are necessary.
When is the Northern Green Jumping Spider most active?
The Northern Green Jumping Spider is most active during the day (diurnal) in the warm, humid months of the year. In its tropical and subtropical range, this typically corresponds to the late spring and summer (around November to March), which is often the wet season. During this period, their insect prey is most abundant, and the spiders are busy hunting, mating, and reproducing. You are most likely to see them patrolling the leaves of shrubs in your garden on a sunny day during these months. In the cooler, drier parts of the year, they become much less active and will shelter in their leafy nests.
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