Phidippus

Phiddipus genus of the jumping spider family has about 60 species as of the 2004 records. Most species occupy different parts of North America.

Scientific Classification

Phidippus Spider

 

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

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.

Eggs

The pale white eggs are oval-shaped. The females of Phidippus clarus lays about 135 eggs in a single clutch.

Spiderlings

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 Web

The jumping spiders do not make webs for their predation; instead, they jump and chase down their victims.

Are Spiders of the Phidippus Genus Venomous

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.

Quick Facts

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

Did You Know

  • The name of the genus in Greek indicates a person who “spares the horses”. It derives inspiration from the Celtic character of a slave named Phidippus, who was also king Deiotarus’ physician.

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.

Phidippus Spider

 

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

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.

Eggs

The pale white eggs are oval-shaped. The females of Phidippus clarus lays about 135 eggs in a single clutch.

Spiderlings

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 Web

The jumping spiders do not make webs for their predation; instead, they jump and chase down their victims.

Are Spiders of the Phidippus Genus Venomous

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.

Quick Facts

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

Did You Know

  • The name of the genus in Greek indicates a person who “spares the horses”. It derives inspiration from the Celtic character of a slave named Phidippus, who was also king Deiotarus’ physician.

Image Credits: bugguide.net

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