Phiddipus genus of the jumping spider family has about 60 species as of the 2004 records. Most species occupy different parts of North America.
Size: The size ranges from 0.23 inches (0.58 cm) to 0.98 inches (2.48 cm), with the males being smaller than their female counterparts.
Color: They are mostly black, green, or orange, with some species having peacock green or royal blue hairs.
Other Characteristic Features: Most spiders of this genus has a hairy appearance. Bold jumper (Phidippus audax) have distinct markings on their abdomen.
The pale white eggs are oval-shaped. The females of Phidippus clarus lays about 135 eggs in a single clutch.
Even after the egg membrane sheds, the hatchlings mature within the cocoon. The spiderlings leave their protective shell two or three days after the first molt. They do not start hunting right after hatching but stay in their den for a certain period that could span from two hours to a few days. Approximately 10% of them make retreats during this time, while most do so after feeding.
The jumping spiders do not make webs for their predation; instead, they jump and chase down their victims.
Even though some of the spiders do have venom, they are not harmful enough to kill humans. In some cases, they might result in allergic reactions, swelling, and redness of the skin, but anything more severe than this is unlikely to happen.
| Distribution | North America |
| Habitat | Open grasslands |
| Diet | Insects |
| Web Type | Silky, made for laying eggs or hiding for a short period |
| Lifespan | 1 – 2 years |
Image Credits: bugguide.net
Phiddipus genus of the jumping spider family has about 60 species as of the 2004 records. Most species occupy different parts of North America.
Size: The size ranges from 0.23 inches (0.58 cm) to 0.98 inches (2.48 cm), with the males being smaller than their female counterparts.
Color: They are mostly black, green, or orange, with some species having peacock green or royal blue hairs.
Other Characteristic Features: Most spiders of this genus has a hairy appearance. Bold jumper (Phidippus audax) have distinct markings on their abdomen.
The pale white eggs are oval-shaped. The females of Phidippus clarus lays about 135 eggs in a single clutch.
Even after the egg membrane sheds, the hatchlings mature within the cocoon. The spiderlings leave their protective shell two or three days after the first molt. They do not start hunting right after hatching but stay in their den for a certain period that could span from two hours to a few days. Approximately 10% of them make retreats during this time, while most do so after feeding.
The jumping spiders do not make webs for their predation; instead, they jump and chase down their victims.
Even though some of the spiders do have venom, they are not harmful enough to kill humans. In some cases, they might result in allergic reactions, swelling, and redness of the skin, but anything more severe than this is unlikely to happen.
| Distribution | North America |
| Habitat | Open grasslands |
| Diet | Insects |
| Web Type | Silky, made for laying eggs or hiding for a short period |
| Lifespan | 1 – 2 years |
Image Credits: bugguide.net
