Say hello to Phidippus putnami! This lively spider belongs to the jumping spiders family and loves hopping around in North America. We’ve gathered some awesome facts about this jumpy friend for you to explore.
Size: These spiders are small, measuring between 0.8-1.5 cm (0.314-0.6 in).
Color: This spider has several different morphs – white, brown, blue, black, etc.
Other Characteristic Features: Like all jumping spiders, they have excellent eyesight. This is in part due to their eight eyes, whose placement on the spider’s head gives them 360⁰ vision. Their bodies are covered with bristles all over.
Eggs
The eggs are laid inside a sac made of thick silk.
Spiderlings
On maturing, spiderlings leave their original sac and build their own retreat.
The Web
While they do not build webs to capture prey, they spin silk to bind leaves together to create a refuge for themselves.
Are Phidippus putnami Spiders Venomous?
Yes, Phidippus putnami spiders have venom. They use it to catch the small critters they eat. For most people, this venom isn’t a big deal.
Can Phidippus putnami Spiders Bite?
They sure can! But these spiders are more curious than aggressive. They might give a little bite if they feel scared, but they’re mostly busy hopping around.
Ecological Importance and Behavior of Phidippus putnami
Phidippus putnami spiders are significant predators in their ecosystems, controlling insect populations. Their jumping behavior not only aids in capturing prey but also in avoiding threats, showcasing an intricate adaptation for survival.
Natural Predators: In the wild, they face dangers from parasitoid wasps and nematodes, which can prey on or parasitize them, reflecting the complex food web interactions within their environment.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: By preying on a variety of insects, Phidippus putnami spiders help in pest control and the maintenance of a balanced ecosystem. Their predation helps keep insect populations in check, which can be beneficial for human activities such as agriculture and garden maintenance.
Relationship with Humans: Phidippus putnami spiders have a mostly indirect relationship with humans. Their role in insect control can be advantageous, and their non-aggressive nature and less potent venom make them harmless companions in gardens.
Quick Facts
Lifespan
1-2 years
Distribution
The United States
Habitat
Foliage or weeds
Common Predators
Parasitoid wasps and nematodes
Diet
Insects, other spiders
Did You Know
Married American arachnologist duo George Williams Peckham and Elizabeth Maria Gifford Peckham first described this species in 1883.
In essence, Phidippus putnami spiders are a vibrant and essential part of their habitats.
Adult Phidippus putnami spiders are small, typically measuring between 0.8 and 1.5 centimeters (0.314 to 0.6 inches) in length. This compact size is characteristic of many jumping spider species, allowing them to be agile hunters and adept at navigating their environment to find prey and avoid predators.
Phidippus putnami can be found in several different color morphs, showcasing significant variation within the species. Common colors for this jumping spider include white, brown, blue, and black. This diversity in appearance can depend on factors like geographic location and the specific habitat in which the spider lives.
Yes, Phidippus putnami spiders are venomous, as they use venom to subdue the small insects they prey upon. However, their venom is not considered medically significant to most humans. A bite might cause minor, localized irritation but is not typically a cause for serious medical concern.
Phidippus putnami spiders have eight eyes arranged to provide them with nearly 360-degree vision, which is crucial for their active hunting lifestyle. Their large, forward-facing principal eyes grant excellent depth perception for accurately judging jumps, while the smaller secondary eyes detect motion from almost any direction.
No, Phidippus putnami spiders do not build webs to capture prey like many other spider species. Instead, they are active hunters that stalk and pounce on their food. They do use silk to spin small retreats or shelters, often by binding leaves together for protection and resting.
The primary natural predators of Phidippus putnami include parasitoid wasps and nematodes. Parasitoid wasps may lay their eggs on or inside the spider, with the larvae consuming the host. These predators play a key role in the complex food web and help regulate jumping spider populations in their ecosystem.
Yes, a Phidippus putnami can bite a person, but it is a rare occurrence. These spiders are not aggressive and typically bite only in self-defense when they feel threatened or trapped. Their primary response to a potential threat is to use their excellent jumping ability to escape.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on May 17, 2022.
Spider Team
