Oxyopes javanus spider

On a blade of grass dampened by morning dew, my eyes happened to catch a small spider constantly on the move as if stillness played no part in its way of life. I followed the spider with slow, cautious steps. It kept moving, showing no signs of pausing even for a moment. Not wanting to miss the chance, I quickly activated my phone's camera to photograph the active spider. Photographing a moving spider like this is certainly not as smooth a process as capturing one that is stationary. I took a great many shots, yet most turned out blurry, only a few were worthy of being shared here.

The spider kept moving, not rapidly, but with a very slow, deliberate pace. It seemed as though it didn't want to disturb its surroundings with its movements. It wandered from one side to the other, as if every corner of the leaf held something it wished to discover. It was an Oxyopes javanus, a beautiful spider belonging to the Oxyopidae family. Notice how the colors covering its body harmonize perfectly with the environment; its brownish-white body blends beautifully with black stripes, and its long legs are protected by sharp spines.

The spot where I found the spider was quite humble just a small bush growing along the edge of a footpath. Yet, the spider's presence made the place feel more alive. This was enhanced by the lingering dew drops clinging to the blades of grass, these droplets became part of the scenery, lending the setting a fresher, more vibrant look.