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Phidippus mystaceus

Phidippus mystaceus is a jumping spider species found in certain parts of North America.

Phidippus Mystaceus Spider

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

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.

Eggs

Their eggs, small, and oval-shaped remain enclosed in a silken sac.

Spiderlings

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.

The Web

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.

Is the Phidippus mystaceus Venomous

Like most other jumping spiders, they too do not harm humans with their venom.

Quick Facts

DistributionNorth America
HabitatForest, scrublands, human-made structures
PredatorsFlies, fruit flies, roaches and crickets
DietSmall insects
LifespanAbout 10 – 12 months

Did You Know

  • Their species name Mystax in Greek means mustache that its physical appearance perfectly justifies.

Image Source: Patrickzephyrphoto.com

Phidippus mystaceus is a jumping spider species found in certain parts of North America.

Phidippus Mystaceus Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

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.

Eggs

Their eggs, small, and oval-shaped remain enclosed in a silken sac.

Spiderlings

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.

The Web

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.

Is the Phidippus mystaceus Venomous

Like most other jumping spiders, they too do not harm humans with their venom.

Quick Facts

DistributionNorth America
HabitatForest, scrublands, human-made structures
PredatorsFlies, fruit flies, roaches and crickets
DietSmall insects
LifespanAbout 10 – 12 months

Did You Know

  • Their species name Mystax in Greek means mustache that its physical appearance perfectly justifies.

Image Source: Patrickzephyrphoto.com