Bug Identifier
Lynx Spider
Community identification

Lynx Spider

Oxyopes salticus

Order & Family
Order Araneae, Family Oxyopidae
Size
4 mm to 10 mm (excluding legs)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in low-growing vegetation, tall grasses, agricultural fields, and occasionally inside homes after entering through windows or doors.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator; they hunt small insects like flies, bees, moths, and other spiders, often ambushing them on flowers or leaves.

Behavior Patterns

Active diurnal hunters that do not spin webs to catch prey. They have excellent eyesight and are known for their ability to run very fast and jump to capture prey or escape predators.

Risks & Benefits

They are highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as they provide natural pest control by eating agricultural pests. They are not aggressive toward humans, and while they can bite if handled, their venom is not considered medically significant.