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Cardinal Jumping (Phidippus cardinalis)

The Cardinal Jumping spider, also known as Cardinal Jumper, is from the Salticidae spider family. Found in various regions of North America, these tiny creatures have unique traits. This article offers interesting facts about them, so read on to discover more about these fascinating spiders!

Scientific Classification

Cardinal Jumping Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They are overall small, with the females being slightly bigger than their male counterparts.
  • Color: These species have a red carapace with two black bands on their dorsal abdomen, alongside black, hairy legs.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have an oval-shaped carapace and hairy legs. 

Cardinal Jumping Spider Image

Eggs

A single sac may have about a hundred eggs that are small and round.

Spiderlings

Though adequate information about the spiderlings remains unavailable, the juvenile mostly disperses from their family upon maturation.

The Web

Like most other spiders of their family, they, too, do not spin webs but use silken threads to capture prey.

Phidippus Cardinalis

Are Cardinal Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Cardinal Jumping spiders have venom, but it’s mostly used to immobilize their prey. It’s not harmful to humans.

Can Cardinal Jumping Spiders Bite?

While they can bite, it’s rare. If bitten, the bite is mild and usually just causes slight irritation.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Cardinal Jumping Spider 

The Cardinal Jumping spider plays a crucial ecological role as a natural pest controller. Their diet primarily consists of small insects, which helps in maintaining the insect population and thereby supporting the ecological balance. Their behavior is characterized by their jumping ability, which they use to pounce on prey or escape threats.

Natural Predator: In the wild, they are preyed upon by various birds, reptiles, and larger species of spiders, which helps keep their population in check and ensures their role as prey in the food web.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: This species exhibits fascinating prey-predator dynamics. Their quick reflexes and keen eyesight make them formidable hunters. Conversely, their small size makes them vulnerable to larger predators, thus maintaining their position in the natural order.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions between humans and the Cardinal Jumping spider are rare and typically harmless. Their venom is not a threat to humans, and bites are uncommon and only result in minor irritation.

Phidippus Cardinalis Image

Quick Facts

Other NamesCardinal jumper 
DistributionParts of North America
PredatorsFlies, crickets, fruit flies, roaches
DietSmall insects, as well as other spiders
LifespanApproximately 1 year

Did You Know

  • They are among the several jumping spider species to mimic mutillid wasps of the Dasymutilla genus known for their painful sting.
  • Their small size and velvet appearance earn them the name velvet ants.

Cardinal Jumping Spider Habitat

In summary, the Cardinal Jumping spiders are not only a marvel of nature’s design but also serve an indispensable role in our ecosystem.

The Cardinal Jumping spider, also known as Cardinal Jumper, is from the Salticidae spider family. Found in various regions of North America, these tiny creatures have unique traits. This article offers interesting facts about them, so read on to discover more about these fascinating spiders!

Cardinal Jumping Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They are overall small, with the females being slightly bigger than their male counterparts.
  • Color: These species have a red carapace with two black bands on their dorsal abdomen, alongside black, hairy legs.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have an oval-shaped carapace and hairy legs. 

Cardinal Jumping Spider Image

Eggs

A single sac may have about a hundred eggs that are small and round.

Spiderlings

Though adequate information about the spiderlings remains unavailable, the juvenile mostly disperses from their family upon maturation.

The Web

Like most other spiders of their family, they, too, do not spin webs but use silken threads to capture prey.

Phidippus Cardinalis

Are Cardinal Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Cardinal Jumping spiders have venom, but it’s mostly used to immobilize their prey. It’s not harmful to humans.

Can Cardinal Jumping Spiders Bite?

While they can bite, it’s rare. If bitten, the bite is mild and usually just causes slight irritation.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Cardinal Jumping Spider 

The Cardinal Jumping spider plays a crucial ecological role as a natural pest controller. Their diet primarily consists of small insects, which helps in maintaining the insect population and thereby supporting the ecological balance. Their behavior is characterized by their jumping ability, which they use to pounce on prey or escape threats.

Natural Predator: In the wild, they are preyed upon by various birds, reptiles, and larger species of spiders, which helps keep their population in check and ensures their role as prey in the food web.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: This species exhibits fascinating prey-predator dynamics. Their quick reflexes and keen eyesight make them formidable hunters. Conversely, their small size makes them vulnerable to larger predators, thus maintaining their position in the natural order.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions between humans and the Cardinal Jumping spider are rare and typically harmless. Their venom is not a threat to humans, and bites are uncommon and only result in minor irritation.

Phidippus Cardinalis Image

Quick Facts

Other NamesCardinal jumper 
DistributionParts of North America
PredatorsFlies, crickets, fruit flies, roaches
DietSmall insects, as well as other spiders
LifespanApproximately 1 year

Did You Know

  • They are among the several jumping spider species to mimic mutillid wasps of the Dasymutilla genus known for their painful sting.
  • Their small size and velvet appearance earn them the name velvet ants.

Cardinal Jumping Spider Habitat

In summary, the Cardinal Jumping spiders are not only a marvel of nature’s design but also serve an indispensable role in our ecosystem.