The distinguishing feature of jumping spiders is that instead of spinning a web and waiting for their prey, they leap to capture it. So perfect are these spiders' ability that they can leap and catch an insect flying in the air half a meter away. The spider is able to make these astonishing leaps thanks to its eight legs that function according to hydraulic principles. All jumping spiders have possessed this astonishing ability ever since the first day of their existence. None could acquire it gradually, but all were created in full possession of it. The 50-million-year-old jumping spider in the picture, identical to present-day specimens, is proof of this.