Gray Wall Jumping (Menemerus bivittatus)

Did you know there’s a spider called the Gray wall jumper? It belongs to the Salticidae family and is found in warm tropical places in both the north and south. Many times, you can spot these spiders on the outside walls of buildings. We’ve got cool facts about them coming up!

Scientific Classification

• Family: Salticidae
• Genus: Menemerus
• Scientific name: Menemerus bivittatus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

• Size:  The females are 0.27 – 0.39 inches (7 – 10 mm) long, while males are smaller with a body length of (0.19 -0.27 inches).

• Color: Both genders have a brown body covered with grayish-white hairs, though they differ from the other in pattern. The dorsal stripe on the males is black, while the stripes on both sides of their abdomen are brownish-white. They even have black and white bands on their legs, chelicerae, and carapace. On the other hand, the females have a browner body, alongside two black bands and white stripes on the carapace, as well as thick black abdominal bands.
• Other Characteristic Features: They have a flattened body, while the females possess a larger abdomen and carapace.

Eggs

The female lays 25 to 40 of them in a silken case resembling a purse.

Spiderlings

They hatch within three weeks after being laid. The juvenile spiders replicate females.

The Web

Like most other jumping spider species, the Gray Wall Jumper does not build webs to catch prey. Instead, they directly jump on their prey to attack them.

Are Gray Wall Jumping Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Gray Wall Jumping Spiders are venomous. Their venom helps them catch their food. But for humans, it’s not really harmful.

Can Gray Wall Jumping Spiders Bite?

Yes, Gray Wall Jumping Spiders can bite. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but it’s usually not harmful to people.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Gray Wall Jumping Spider

These spiders are significant in controlling insect populations, contributing to the balance of ecosystems. They are diurnal hunters, actively seeking out prey during daylight hours, and are known for their impressive ability to jump, even capturing insects as large as crane flies.

Natural Predators: Natural predators of the Gray wall jumper include birds and larger spiders. These predators help regulate the population of jumping spiders, preventing overpopulation and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Gray wall jumper’s predatory habits play an essential role in controlling the numbers of small insects. At the same time, they serve as prey to larger species, illustrating the complex prey-predator dynamics within their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: While Gray wall jumpers are venomous, their bites are not typically harmful to humans and might only cause slight discomfort. They are often seen on the walls of buildings where they help control pest insects, making them a friend to urban dwellers.

Quick Facts

Other Names	Gray Wall Jumper
Distribution	Has a cosmopolitan distribution, occurring in tropical regions; in America, it occurs in parts of California, Texas, and Florida as well as Paraguay alongside parts of the Caribbean Islands
Habitat	On tree trunks, and walls of buildings
Diet	Small insects
Lifespan	About 1 year

Did You Know

• These spiders have an immense jumping ability, moving from one place to the other with ease, even getting hold of crane flies twice their size.
• In The Gambia, these species have been noticed tracing the whereabouts of stinging bees. However, they barely succeed in catching them.

In conclusion, the Gray wall jumper is an exemplary model of the adaptability and complexity of spiders.