The brilliant jumping spider is a member of the family of jumping spiders. It resides in North America and is one of the 60 spiders found in the genus Phidippus.
Brilliant Jumping Spider
Size: Male: 0.32 cm (0.126 in) Female: 0.4 cm (0.159 in)
Color: This spider has two distinct morphs – a dark reddish-brown or a yellowish-brown with dark markings.
Other Characteristic Features: The carapaces of these spiders are rectangular.
The egg sacs are made of thick silk. A female brilliant jumping spider lays well over 100 eggs per sac after mating, with an average of 135. Most bear only one clutch, though some may lay more.
After 24–26 days, the spiderlings emerge but continue to mature in the cocoon. The first molt takes place 24–28 days once they shed their membranes. 2-3 days later, the spiderlings become active. While not hunting immediately, they spend several hours moving about doing random things before returning to cover. Around 10% build their separate retreats during this period of activity, while the rest do so only after feeding. After the spiderlings leave the nest, the mothers usually die in a few days.
Like other jumping spiders, they are not known to construct elaborate webs. However, webs play an important role in the mating process, as the male will spin a small web to deposit a little sperm. This sperm is then collected by the male which is used to impregnate potential mates.
The venom of these spiders is not very deadly, with their bites leaving a temporary swelling at worst.
Phidippus clarus
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| Distribution | Eastern North America |
| Habitat | Flowers |
| Common Predators | Parasitoid wasps like Aporinellus completes and nematodes |
| Diet | Insects, other spiders |
Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com, content.eol.org
The brilliant jumping spider is a member of the family of jumping spiders. It resides in North America and is one of the 60 spiders found in the genus Phidippus.
Brilliant Jumping Spider
Size: Male: 0.32 cm (0.126 in) Female: 0.4 cm (0.159 in)
Color: This spider has two distinct morphs – a dark reddish-brown or a yellowish-brown with dark markings.
Other Characteristic Features: The carapaces of these spiders are rectangular.
The egg sacs are made of thick silk. A female brilliant jumping spider lays well over 100 eggs per sac after mating, with an average of 135. Most bear only one clutch, though some may lay more.
After 24–26 days, the spiderlings emerge but continue to mature in the cocoon. The first molt takes place 24–28 days once they shed their membranes. 2-3 days later, the spiderlings become active. While not hunting immediately, they spend several hours moving about doing random things before returning to cover. Around 10% build their separate retreats during this period of activity, while the rest do so only after feeding. After the spiderlings leave the nest, the mothers usually die in a few days.
Like other jumping spiders, they are not known to construct elaborate webs. However, webs play an important role in the mating process, as the male will spin a small web to deposit a little sperm. This sperm is then collected by the male which is used to impregnate potential mates.
The venom of these spiders is not very deadly, with their bites leaving a temporary swelling at worst.
Phidippus clarus
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| Distribution | Eastern North America |
| Habitat | Flowers |
| Common Predators | Parasitoid wasps like Aporinellus completes and nematodes |
| Diet | Insects, other spiders |
Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com, content.eol.org
