Fauna
Arachnid

Cyclops Jumping Spider

Opisthoncus polyphemus

Also known as Polyphemus Jumping Spider

Named after the mythic one-eyed giant, this agile hunter features prominent forward-facing median eyes and a characteristic yellowish-white brow band. Individuals stalk diurnal prey through leafy canopies, leaping several times their body length with precise hydraulic bursts to ambush insects. Females construct discreet silk retreat sacs beneath curled leaves or loose tree bark, guarding their egg clutches until the spiderlings disperse.

DiurnalAgile HunterCanopy Dweller
Cyclops Jumping Spider reference1 / 7
(c) Robert Briggs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Robert Briggs · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHouse flies, Leafhoppers, Small moths
Predators
  • Spider-hunting wasps
  • Small insectivorous birds
  • Larger jumping spiders
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide application and urban habitat loss
HabitatsEucalypt woodlands, shrublands, suburban gardens, and forest edges
Life span1–2 years
Classification
  1. FamilySalticidae
  2. SpeciesOpisthoncus polyphemus
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; bites are rare and trivial, occurring only if pinched.
Responsible observation
  • Observation angle: Approach slowly from the side, as fast head-on movements trigger rapid retreat.
  • Macro photography: Watch sunlit foliage and garden shrubs during warm mornings when adults actively hunt.
Related species
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