Tiny Tenants

Ever since I got my macro lens, the world has started feeling larger through its smallest details. Among those details are the jumping spiders that turn up around the house: on a leaf, the wall, the fridge, the back of a chair. Wherever I find them, they almost always seem to look back with curiosity.

The more I photograph them, the more irrational arachnophobia begins to feel. These tiny spiders are harmless. They are curious, gentle and endlessly fascinating to observe up close, and natural pest controllers too. The species here include the pantropical jumping spider, Adanson’s house jumper and the common housefly catcher, all commonly found in homes and apartment buildings across cities like Mumbai.

Creators like @brisjumpers have only deepened that appreciation, making people more curious, informed and compassionate towards spiders. So the next time you spot one at home, maybe let it be for a while. Look a little closer. You might be surprised by how much personality fits into eight tiny eyes.