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Jumping Spider Spotted In Dubl...

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Jumping Spider Spotted In Dublin Garden

Emma Tyrrell
Emma Tyrrell

08:55 24 Jan 2020


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A jumping spider has been spotted in a garden in Monkstown in Dublin.

It's believed to be the first time the tiny red-bellied 'Philaeus Chrysops' has been seen in Ireland, with the spider usually found in warmer climates in the southern part of Europe as well China and Korea.

The spider may jump on its prey but the species is harmless to humans.

They are normally  7–12 millimetres. The males have a distinctive bright orange-red abdomen while the female is more of an orange and brown colour.

Collie Ennis is a researcher at Trinity College's Zoology Department;

"A lot of times you would expect to find these imported on plants but when you see them outside that indicates that they're moving in naturally."

He says tiny spiders like the Philaeus Chrysops have the ability to throw a web from their abdomen into the air, carrying them into the stratosphere and allowing the spiders to travel hundreds and thousands of miles.

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