Seems to be the season for spiders - I guess all the insects are gone until next summer. Anyway, I know this isn't a great picture - he wouldn't cooperate - kept moving away. I'm guessing he's some kind of jumping spider, because that's exactly what he did when he had enough of my photography attempts. Spidey wasn't that big, maybe 3/8" - I'll also attach a picture taken from the front, but it's not that great, either. Hope someone can help identify him. Thanks, as always, for the help.
front view
This appears to be a daring or bold jumping spider, Phidippus audax - see http://tinyurl.com/dxkmyj for images. This is a very common and widespread species; I sometimes find one that has taken up residence in our mailbox.
Thank you Suunto. I wish my pictures were as good as the site pictures you referred me to, but they certainly confirmed the id. Your help is always appreciated.
I'm usually not fond of spiders but yours is very beautiful. Too bad the photo shoot went south. I would have loved to see him up close.
