The Itsy Bitsy Jumping Spider Buddy

Most of my editing sessions come with a familiar helper nearby, my dog Rosie. This time, though, I had a much smaller companion. A tiny jumping spider named Simon started showing up near my computer, and he quickly became part of my daily routine.

Jumping Spider Buddy on My Desk

Simon first appeared behind my computer monitor in Lavaca, Arkansas. At first, he caught me off guard. He was tiny, quick, and impossible to miss once those large forward-facing eyes peeked out at me.

That first impression did not last long. Within minutes, his curious behavior won me over. Instead of hiding, he explored. He moved across my desk, checked corners and edges, and paused often as if he were studying everything around him.

Jumping spiders have a way of seeming alert and aware. Simon looked less like a spider trying to avoid me and more like a tiny visitor trying to understand my workspace. That was part of what made this encounter stand out. He did not just pass through. He kept coming back.

Watching Simon’s Curious Behavior Up Close

Over time, Simon became part of the scene whenever I processed photos or worked on a blog post. He would scurry across the desk, stop near the keyboard, then lift his front legs as if he had a question or an opinion.

One of my favorite moments came after I photographed a butterfly outside. As I pulled the image up on the computer, Simon raced over to the screen. He seemed locked in on the preview while I zoomed in and adjusted the image. It felt like he was watching every step of the edit.

That is what made this little spider memorable to me. He turned an ordinary work session into a wildlife moment. I did not have to step into the woods or set up near a trail. Wildlife had come right to my desk.

Even though some people are uneasy around spiders, jumping spiders often feel different. Simon’s movements were quick, but his behavior seemed curious more than threatening. He brought a little energy into the room and gave me a reason to look away from the screen and enjoy the moment.

Photographing a Tiny Spider in Morning Light

Photographing a small subject like Simon took patience and reach. He was tiny, active, and never still for long. I photographed him while sitting at my desk indoors, using the light coming through the window along with help from my desk lamp. That mix of light let me show detail in his eyes and body while keeping the scene natural to the moment.

The image worked because it stayed simple. A clean angle, careful focus, and enough focal length let me isolate the spider without crowding him. For a subject this small, even a slight movement can change the frame.

Camera details

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical details

• Location: Lavaca, Arkansas
• Date and time taken: August 21, 2023, 9:41 a.m.
• Aperture: f/7.1
• Shutter speed: 1/125
• ISO: 16000 (Auto)
• Exposure compensation: +0.7
• Focal length: 500mm

Simon may be small, but he has a big presence. This little jumping spider turned an ordinary desk into a place worth watching, and he reminded me that wildlife stories can happen almost anywhere.