As the days grow longer, the weather warms and the flora flourish, I’m seeing a very rewarding increase in the fauna in our garden as well. One very welcome guest that I met last week is a variety of little jumping spider that I haven’t seen for some 3½ years, and I found that last one in Batty’s garden, about a kilometer and a half from where we live. 
It’s a female Polkadot Hopper (Opisthoncus polyphemus). This immigrant was reportedly 
first noticed in the north part of the North Island some 20 years ago and has expanded its 
new range here down into its central region. It is endemic to Australia and New Guinea.
I’m still using the Classic Editor, so you can see more detail with a click on a photo.
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krikitarts 
Those are all nice crisp views of the spider.
The new block editor allows for enlargements, too, but it’s not the default setting the first time you use it. In the block editor, after you load a photograph into your post, click the photograph to select it. Then go to the icon bar across the top left of the page and click the icon that’s a stylized link of a chain; if you hover your mouse over the icon for a few seconds it says “Edit link.” From the menu that pops down when you click the link icon, choose “Media file.” Anyone reading your post who clicks on the picture will find it reacts the way you’re used to, namely by bringing up the actual photograph.
Thanks, Steve, for both comments. Yes, I’m really happy with the portraits. I pulled out my bigger macro lens and it was worth it. I’ll save your instructions for if/when I decide to (or have to) use the new editor.
Now there’s a familiar ‘face’. I do believe I see this one regularly. Great shot.
I’ve not seen them often here, and it was a treat to meet another one. I’ve been checking the hebe bush every day, but haven’t seen her again.
Great shots. She has quite a cute little face.
I have to agree, and there’s no need to warn arachnophobes about her scariness, I think.
Good pictures, Gary! I’m still using the Classic Editor too, so good, easy and straightforward! :)
I suppose I should give the block a fair try, but it seems so unfriendly.
I always enjoy seeing these little beauties. Did the four spots on the abdomen lead to the ‘polka dot’ name? Of course the last photo’s my favorite. Those eyes are enchanting.
It seems logical that the four larger (and many smaller) spots led to this attractive name. And, yes–must love the salties’ eyes.
What a character! I was just thinking, it would be great if someone were to make soft toy versions of different varieties of spider – would work very well with this one – and might help folk overcome their fears of them. Although, maybe it’s best that we don’t ‘cutify’ them, and keep our respect and a little bit of distance :-)
I’ve seen a few plushified spiders through the years–usually tarantulas, but I can’t think of any at the moment that were based on what I usually think of as the more attractive (and less fierce-looking) ones. I’d love to see one patterned after the polkadot, and I can just picture the huge, black, glass (or, likely, plastic) eyes that would adorn their faces. I do like the idea.
What a welcome visitor indeed! Love the patterns on this little one. Great series of photos, Gary!
Thanks, Pete, it makes it so much easier when your little star performer is so cooperative.
I’ve mentioned my difficult relationship with spiders but I swear, you have made this fellow look quite appealing. ;-)
That was indeed my intention. She is a pretty one, isn’t she? And thanks for the wink!
I am always amazed, well sort of, that people freak over spiders. Many are quite beautiful as this one exhibits. Those two large beautiful dark front eyes are mesmerizing.
I find them beautiful too, the most acute eyes in the entire arthropod phylum. Oh, to have eyes like that and not need trifocals…