Phidippus mystaceus is a jumping spider species found in certain parts of North America.
Size: Females are about 0.39 inches (10 mm) long, while males are slightly smaller.
Color: The color may vary from brown to gray. They even have three sets of black and white markings on their abdomen and bands of black and yellow on the legs.
Other Characteristic Features: The females mostly have red markings below the eyes that resemble a mustache. The markings above their eyes replicate a donkey’s ears.
Their eggs, small, and oval-shaped remain enclosed in a silken sac.
The eggs hatch between the 1st and the 4th week after being laid. The juveniles stay within the sac for a while, after which they go through molts and finally disperse. The male juveniles mostly have markings on their carapace.
Since they are a part of the jumping spider family, these species do not make webs. Instead, they use silken threads to get hold of their prey and also for other purposes.
Like most other jumping spiders, they too do not harm humans with their venom.
| Distribution | North America |
| Habitat | Forest, scrublands, human-made structures |
| Predators | Flies, fruit flies, roaches and crickets |
| Diet | Small insects |
| Lifespan | About 10 – 12 months |
Image Source: Patrickzephyrphoto.com
Phidippus mystaceus is a jumping spider species found in certain parts of North America.
Size: Females are about 0.39 inches (10 mm) long, while males are slightly smaller.
Color: The color may vary from brown to gray. They even have three sets of black and white markings on their abdomen and bands of black and yellow on the legs.
Other Characteristic Features: The females mostly have red markings below the eyes that resemble a mustache. The markings above their eyes replicate a donkey’s ears.
Their eggs, small, and oval-shaped remain enclosed in a silken sac.
The eggs hatch between the 1st and the 4th week after being laid. The juveniles stay within the sac for a while, after which they go through molts and finally disperse. The male juveniles mostly have markings on their carapace.
Since they are a part of the jumping spider family, these species do not make webs. Instead, they use silken threads to get hold of their prey and also for other purposes.
Like most other jumping spiders, they too do not harm humans with their venom.
| Distribution | North America |
| Habitat | Forest, scrublands, human-made structures |
| Predators | Flies, fruit flies, roaches and crickets |
| Diet | Small insects |
| Lifespan | About 10 – 12 months |
Image Source: Patrickzephyrphoto.com
Mumpi Ghosh on July 3, 2020.
Dr. Watuwa James
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