Regal jumping spiders (Phidippus regius) are one of the world’s largest jumping spiders. Endemic to the southeast US, mostly Florida, where they can be quite common among low vegetation in open, sunny habitats and prefer to make their silk lairs on palmetto fronds.

They’re probably also the best-known species of jumper, mostly in the context of being kept as pets. They often charm even individuals who are otherwise arachnophobes, though I think their undeniable cuteness can make people overlook the fact that they’re incredibly formidable predators even by spider standards, able to use their excellent vision and reflexes to stalk and subdue large, dangerous prey. Awhile back I saw one eating another venomous predator, a wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) that was at least twice the size of the jumper.