The green lynx spider (Peucetia viridans) is a bright green spider found throughout most of the southeast US. It is named for its ability to leap on its prey like a lynx, and because it is bright green. While it may look nefarious, the green lynx spider is actually quite beneficial to have in your garden.
One of the primary benefits of having green lynx spiders in your garden is that they are natural predators of a wide variety of pests. They prey on a variety of insects, including caterpillars, grasshoppers, and other spiders, helping to keep their populations in check. This can help minimize reliance on chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
In addition to their pest control benefits, green lynx spiders are also fascinating creatures to observe. They are active during the day, and can often be seen perched on leaves or flowers, waiting for prey to pass by. They are also known for their impressive jumping ability, which they use to catch their prey.
If you want to the green lynx in your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, avoid using chemical pesticides, as these can be harmful to beneficial insects like spiders. Instead, try to encourage diversity of plants in your garden, as this will attract a variety of insects for the spiders to prey on. You can also create shelter for the spiders by leaving piles of leaves or other debris in your garden; a great excuse for leaving that fall cleanup in a corner as compost!
In summary, The green lynx spider is a beautiful, beneficial spider to have around the garden. They are a lot of fun to watch as they stalk their prey, and their incredible jumping ability is quite a sight as well! Keep them around to help manage the pests in the garden and not use as much environment harming chemicals.