Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2168338

Fencepost Jumping Spider

Marpissa muscosa

Also known as Mossy Jumping Spider

Fencepost jumping spiders are large, stocky Salticids renowned for their cryptic greyish-brown camouflage that blends seamlessly against weathered wood and bark. Using exceptionally keen forward-facing vision, these diurnal hunters stalk flies, gnats, and leafhoppers before pouncing with remarkable accuracy. Females construct silk retreats beneath loose bark or fence crevices, where they guard their egg sacs and overwinter through cold months.

ArachnidDiurnalJumping Spider
Fencepost Jumping Spider reference1 / 7
Licensed referenceno rights reserved · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Flies
  • Moths
  • Small beetles
Predators
  • Birds
  • Lizards
  • Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsPesticide use, loss of natural woodland habitat
HabitatsWoodlands, wooden fences, tree bark, garden structures
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. FamilySalticidae
  2. SpeciesMarpissa muscosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans; safe to observe closely as it hunts on sunny wooden surfaces.
Responsible observation
  • Look on Sunlit Wood: Scan wooden fences, tree trunks, and park benches on warm, sunny afternoons.
  • Approach Slowly: Move cameras or hands gradually to avoid triggering their jump reflex.
  • Watch Their Eyes: Observe how their large central eyes pivot and track nearby movement.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…