Salticus

Did you know there’s a group of jumping spiders called Salticus? There are 48 different types of them! A long time ago, they had a different name, but in 1955, a spider expert named Pierre Bonnet gave them their own special group.

Scientific Classification

Salticus Spider

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

  • Salticus afghanicus
  • Salticus aiderensis
  • Salticus alegranzaensis
  • Salticus amitaii
  • Salticus annulatus
  • Salticus austinensis
  • Salticus beneficus
  • Salticus brasiliensis
  • Salticus canariensis
  • Salticus cingulatus
  • Salticus confusus
  • Salticus conjonctus
  • Salticus devotus
  • Salticus dzhungaricus
  • Salticus flavicruris
  • Salticus gomerensis
  • Salticus iteacus
  • Salticus jugularis
  • Salticus kraali
  • Salticus latidentatus
  • Salticus major
  • Salticus mandibularis
  • Salticus marenzelleri
  • Salticus meticulosus
  • Salticus modicus
  • Salticus mutabilis
  • Salticus noordami
  • Salticus olivaceus
  • Salticus palpalis
  • Salticus paludivagus
  • Salticus peckhamae
  • Salticus perogaster
  • Salticus propinquus
  • Salticus proszynskii
  • Salticus quagga
  • Salticus ravus
  • Zebra (Salticus scenicus)
  • Salticus scitulus
  • Salticus tricinctus
  • Salticus truncatus
  • Salticus turkmenicus
  • Salticus unciger
  • Salticus unicolor
  • Salticus unispinus
  • Salticus zebraneus

Salticus Cingulatus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Female spiders are 0.13-0.27 inches (0.33-0.68 cm) and males have an average size of 0.19 inches (0.48 cm).
  • Color: The spiders showcase a combination of black and white.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The chelicerae of male spiders are long. The Zebra spider (Salticus scenicus), a species of this genus, has many eyes facing forward to locate its prey before pouncing upon it.

Eggs

Some species lay about 5 – 15 eggs within a silken sac, closely guarded by females.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings go through several molt phases.

The Web

These spiders do not make any webs for catching their prey but may use silk to make temporary shelters to take rest.

Are Salticus Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Salticus spiders have venom, but it’s mainly to help them catch their food. For humans, it’s not harmful.

Can Salticus Spiders Bite?

Salticus spiders can bite, but it’s rare. If they do, it’s because they’re scared. It’s like a tiny pinch and usually not bothersome for most folks.

Salticus Scenicus

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Salticus Spider

Salticus spiders play a crucial role in controlling the population of arthropods and other spiders, contributing to the ecological balance. They are diurnal hunters, relying on their excellent vision and agility to stalk and pounce on prey. Their preference for sunny habitats such as tree trunks and rocks near woodlands and heathlands makes them a common sight in these areas.

Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: While Salticus spiders are proficient hunters, they are not without their own natural predators. Birds and larger spiders pose a significant threat, creating a balanced predator-prey dynamic in their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Salticus spiders, often found in sunny outdoor locations, occasionally venture into human dwellings. Though their presence may be startling to some, it is essential to recognize their beneficial role in controlling pest populations, making them a natural ally in maintaining ecological stability.

Quick Facts

Other NamesZebra spiders
DistributionSouth Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Afghanistan, France, Tunisia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, e.t.c
HabitatTree trunks and rocks, especially located near sunny areas, woodlands, and heathlands.
DietArthropods and other spiders  
Lifespan2-3 years on average, but some species can live longer

Did You Know

  • French scientist and civil servant Baron Charles Athanase Walckenaer described the Attus genus in the year 1805. However. in 1806, the Salticus genus was created by Pierre André Latreille. Still, Walckenaer ignored the fact and placed all the species in the genus he constructed.

Salticus Scenicus Size

In summary, the Salticus spiders, with their distinctive appearance and remarkable jumping abilities, offer a glimpse into the diverse and intricate world of arachnids.

Did you know there’s a group of jumping spiders called Salticus? There are 48 different types of them! A long time ago, they had a different name, but in 1955, a spider expert named Pierre Bonnet gave them their own special group.

Salticus Spider

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

  • Salticus afghanicus
  • Salticus aiderensis
  • Salticus alegranzaensis
  • Salticus amitaii
  • Salticus annulatus
  • Salticus austinensis
  • Salticus beneficus
  • Salticus brasiliensis
  • Salticus canariensis
  • Salticus cingulatus
  • Salticus confusus
  • Salticus conjonctus
  • Salticus devotus
  • Salticus dzhungaricus
  • Salticus flavicruris
  • Salticus gomerensis
  • Salticus iteacus
  • Salticus jugularis
  • Salticus kraali
  • Salticus latidentatus
  • Salticus major
  • Salticus mandibularis
  • Salticus marenzelleri
  • Salticus meticulosus
  • Salticus modicus
  • Salticus mutabilis
  • Salticus noordami
  • Salticus olivaceus
  • Salticus palpalis
  • Salticus paludivagus
  • Salticus peckhamae
  • Salticus perogaster
  • Salticus propinquus
  • Salticus proszynskii
  • Salticus quagga
  • Salticus ravus
  • Zebra (Salticus scenicus)
  • Salticus scitulus
  • Salticus tricinctus
  • Salticus truncatus
  • Salticus turkmenicus
  • Salticus unciger
  • Salticus unicolor
  • Salticus unispinus
  • Salticus zebraneus

Salticus Cingulatus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Female spiders are 0.13-0.27 inches (0.33-0.68 cm) and males have an average size of 0.19 inches (0.48 cm).
  • Color: The spiders showcase a combination of black and white.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The chelicerae of male spiders are long. The Zebra spider (Salticus scenicus), a species of this genus, has many eyes facing forward to locate its prey before pouncing upon it.

Eggs

Some species lay about 5 – 15 eggs within a silken sac, closely guarded by females.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings go through several molt phases.

The Web

These spiders do not make any webs for catching their prey but may use silk to make temporary shelters to take rest.

Are Salticus Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Salticus spiders have venom, but it’s mainly to help them catch their food. For humans, it’s not harmful.

Can Salticus Spiders Bite?

Salticus spiders can bite, but it’s rare. If they do, it’s because they’re scared. It’s like a tiny pinch and usually not bothersome for most folks.

Salticus Scenicus

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Salticus Spider

Salticus spiders play a crucial role in controlling the population of arthropods and other spiders, contributing to the ecological balance. They are diurnal hunters, relying on their excellent vision and agility to stalk and pounce on prey. Their preference for sunny habitats such as tree trunks and rocks near woodlands and heathlands makes them a common sight in these areas.

Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: While Salticus spiders are proficient hunters, they are not without their own natural predators. Birds and larger spiders pose a significant threat, creating a balanced predator-prey dynamic in their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Salticus spiders, often found in sunny outdoor locations, occasionally venture into human dwellings. Though their presence may be startling to some, it is essential to recognize their beneficial role in controlling pest populations, making them a natural ally in maintaining ecological stability.

Quick Facts

Other NamesZebra spiders
DistributionSouth Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Afghanistan, France, Tunisia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, e.t.c
HabitatTree trunks and rocks, especially located near sunny areas, woodlands, and heathlands.
DietArthropods and other spiders  
Lifespan2-3 years on average, but some species can live longer

Did You Know

  • French scientist and civil servant Baron Charles Athanase Walckenaer described the Attus genus in the year 1805. However. in 1806, the Salticus genus was created by Pierre André Latreille. Still, Walckenaer ignored the fact and placed all the species in the genus he constructed.

Salticus Scenicus Size

In summary, the Salticus spiders, with their distinctive appearance and remarkable jumping abilities, offer a glimpse into the diverse and intricate world of arachnids.