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Phidippus arizonensis

Phidippus arizonensis is a member of the family of jumping spiders. Despite its scientific name, this spider doesn’t live in Arizona; instead found in other parts of North America.

Phidippus arizonensis

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 0.4-0.6 cm (0.16-0.24 in.)

Color: Their cephalothorax is black, with white markings on the sides. The legs are gold-colored, while their abdomen is gray with a black spot near its rear.

Other Characteristic Features: The front legs of this spider are covered in setae.

Eggs

Female Phidippus arizonensis use seed heads and capsules of native forbs as egg-laying sites.

Spiderlings

Hatchlings stay inside the sites where they were born at night until they are mature enough to build their own retreats.

The Web

These spiders do not use webs to catch prey, instead constructing structures similar to tents underneath rocks or logs.

Is the Phidippus arizonensis Spider Venomous

While they possess venom strong enough to paralyze prey, their fangs aren’t generally strong enough to pierce human skin. When it may occur, a bite will cause only mild swelling and redness.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-2 years
Distribution The United States, primarily Texas and New Mexico to southern Mexico
Habitat Oak woodlands and upland prairies
Diet Insects, other spiders

Did You Know

  • American husband-wife arachnologist duo George Williams Peckham and Elizabeth Maria Gifford Peckham first described this spider in 1883.

Image Source: scontent.fccu4-2.fna.fbcdn.net

 

Phidippus arizonensis is a member of the family of jumping spiders. Despite its scientific name, this spider doesn’t live in Arizona; instead found in other parts of North America.

Phidippus arizonensis

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 0.4-0.6 cm (0.16-0.24 in.)

Color: Their cephalothorax is black, with white markings on the sides. The legs are gold-colored, while their abdomen is gray with a black spot near its rear.

Other Characteristic Features: The front legs of this spider are covered in setae.

Eggs

Female Phidippus arizonensis use seed heads and capsules of native forbs as egg-laying sites.

Spiderlings

Hatchlings stay inside the sites where they were born at night until they are mature enough to build their own retreats.

The Web

These spiders do not use webs to catch prey, instead constructing structures similar to tents underneath rocks or logs.

Is the Phidippus arizonensis Spider Venomous

While they possess venom strong enough to paralyze prey, their fangs aren’t generally strong enough to pierce human skin. When it may occur, a bite will cause only mild swelling and redness.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-2 years
Distribution The United States, primarily Texas and New Mexico to southern Mexico
Habitat Oak woodlands and upland prairies
Diet Insects, other spiders

Did You Know

  • American husband-wife arachnologist duo George Williams Peckham and Elizabeth Maria Gifford Peckham first described this spider in 1883.

Image Source: scontent.fccu4-2.fna.fbcdn.net

 

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