Theatrical Jumper. Salticus scenicus, Zebra Spider, on Rose Turtlehead, Chelone obliqua, Prinsentuin, Groningen, The Netherlands
Yes, they're tiny, these theatrical jumping spiders, Salticus scenicus, also known as Zebra Spider for the obvious reason. They measure a mere 7 or 8 mm, the male a bit smaller. Here's one playing hide and seek from Yours Truly's camera focused on a serrated leaf of Chelone obliqua, Rose Turtlehead.
This little scene played out in the lovely Prinsentuin of Groningen. The Prinsentuin was established in 1626 as a get-away from formal meetings for the Princes of Groningen and their interlocutors. But even in this pretty garden in a very Calvinist city, frivolty was out of the question even if it was within the prince's prerogative. The Town Council and its elders were rigorous in the practice of their faith. They'd heard awful things about the marriage celebrations of Johann Georg II, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, (1627-1693) and Henriette Catherina of Nassau (1637-1708) set for July 6, 1659 in the Prinsenhof. Our little Spider is a Theatrical Jumper... And the intendants of the Wedding Feast had been organising several theatrical performances for the festivities. Enter the Town Council of Groningen: adamant Calvinists, they would have nothing of such frivolty. 'Theatrical Jumpers! Oh! Perish the Thought. God will be mightily offended!' Lots of pressure was put to bear on the Court of this staid Town. In the end, the prince and his consort had to give in, not least by the pressure of staunch Countess Albertina Agnes of Nassau (1634-1696)... and the theatre productions were scrapped. No doubt the Countess couldn't abide spiders, least of all theatrical ones!
Theatrical Jumper. Salticus scenicus, Zebra Spider, on Rose Turtlehead, Chelone obliqua, Prinsentuin, Groningen, The Netherlands
Yes, they're tiny, these theatrical jumping spiders, Salticus scenicus, also known as Zebra Spider for the obvious reason. They measure a mere 7 or 8 mm, the male a bit smaller. Here's one playing hide and seek from Yours Truly's camera focused on a serrated leaf of Chelone obliqua, Rose Turtlehead.
This little scene played out in the lovely Prinsentuin of Groningen. The Prinsentuin was established in 1626 as a get-away from formal meetings for the Princes of Groningen and their interlocutors. But even in this pretty garden in a very Calvinist city, frivolty was out of the question even if it was within the prince's prerogative. The Town Council and its elders were rigorous in the practice of their faith. They'd heard awful things about the marriage celebrations of Johann Georg II, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, (1627-1693) and Henriette Catherina of Nassau (1637-1708) set for July 6, 1659 in the Prinsenhof. Our little Spider is a Theatrical Jumper... And the intendants of the Wedding Feast had been organising several theatrical performances for the festivities. Enter the Town Council of Groningen: adamant Calvinists, they would have nothing of such frivolty. 'Theatrical Jumpers! Oh! Perish the Thought. God will be mightily offended!' Lots of pressure was put to bear on the Court of this staid Town. In the end, the prince and his consort had to give in, not least by the pressure of staunch Countess Albertina Agnes of Nassau (1634-1696)... and the theatre productions were scrapped. No doubt the Countess couldn't abide spiders, least of all theatrical ones!