Jumping spider

[Jacqueline Burrell]

This jumping spider lives with its friends on the balconies where they feed mainly off pharaoh ants (Monomorium pharaonis)and tiny, as yet unidentified woodlice that lurk in the damp conditions under the terracotta pots. The spider, which can jump at least ten times its own length, is about 50mm long. I'm searched for hours without success, does anyone have any ideas?

[Colin Key]

Jacqueline,

This is a member of the genus Habronattus, within which there are 5000+ species (maybe a lot more) worldwide.

We have them here in SW Europe but I could not possibly pin down any individual to species level - maybe there is an arachnologist out there?

Colin