Phidippus purpuratus (adult female)
Massachusetts
AKA "Bronzy" I have found these beautiful jumper in the early instar form for many years. This spring I finally found there overwintering hide out and found many sub-adult males and females. I held onto a few to photograph them in there adult state after their final molt. Phidippus purpuratus breeds in the spring here in MA so thankfully I didn't have to wait long for the molt. I am amazed at the variety of the females from light gray to brown/bronze to black in color. I have also learned that each individual spider has it's own personality. One like to walk on her tip toes, one like to pose for me and one likes to reach out for my lense and always looks to the left?? I'm so grateful to get to spend enough time with these amazing creatures to notice such things!!! Photo © copyright by Patrick Zephyr.