Scientists have revealed that an East African species of jumping spider (Evarcha culicivora) preferentially preys on mosquitos that have recently fed on vertebrate blood. Experiments showed that, when presented with a choice between blood-fed mosquitos and other insects of similar size, 83 percent of the jumping spiders selected the mosquito.

Jumping spiders belong to the Family Salticidae. They have eight eyes: four large eyes on the front of their head, two tiny eyes on the side, and two medium-sized eyes on the rear of their head. They also have well-developed jumping skills, enabling them to leap up to fifty times their body length. Their acute vision enables them to stalk and capture prey with precision. Most do not spin webs.

Evarcha culicivora may not be the only spider to feed on vertebrate blood in this way, but at this time, it remains the only known example and is, as a result, a unique and interesting predator:

• Evarcha culicivora is the first known predators to select prey based on the prey's most recent meal
• Evarcha culicivora is the first known predator to feed on vertebrate blood by selecting and eating mosquitoes

Find out more:

• A Spider That Feeds Indirectly on Vertebrate Blood by Choosing Female Mosquitos as Prey (PNAS)
• African Spider Craves Human Blood, Scientists Find (National Geographic)
• Mosquitoes Supply Spider With Blood (Physorg.com)
• Spider Likes Its Meals Rare (New York Times)