Whitman’s jumping spider is a member of the family of jumping spiders. It was named after zoologist Charles Otis Whitman.
Size: 1.07 cm (0.42 in)
Color: Sexual dimorphism exists in this spider species, as the male is brightly colored with a red body, a black band over the eyes, and white setae. The female, on the other hand, is a dull brown.
Other Characteristic Features: This spider resembles mutilid wasps, making them less palatable to predators.
They build a white sac to keep their eggs protected, which the mother constantly guards.
The spiderlings stay inside the sac for some time before finally venturing out and building their own retreat.
These spiders do not generate a lot of webbing; instead, using their keen eyesight for hunting their prey.
The venom produced by these spiders is not deadly to humans. Their bite only has mild symptoms like redness and temporary swelling at best.
Phidippus whitmani
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| Distribution | Canada and the United States |
| Habitat | Older, mixed hardwood forests |
| Diet | Insects and other spiders |
Image Source: inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com, biolib.cz
Whitman’s jumping spider is a member of the family of jumping spiders. It was named after zoologist Charles Otis Whitman.
Size: 1.07 cm (0.42 in)
Color: Sexual dimorphism exists in this spider species, as the male is brightly colored with a red body, a black band over the eyes, and white setae. The female, on the other hand, is a dull brown.
Other Characteristic Features: This spider resembles mutilid wasps, making them less palatable to predators.
They build a white sac to keep their eggs protected, which the mother constantly guards.
The spiderlings stay inside the sac for some time before finally venturing out and building their own retreat.
These spiders do not generate a lot of webbing; instead, using their keen eyesight for hunting their prey.
The venom produced by these spiders is not deadly to humans. Their bite only has mild symptoms like redness and temporary swelling at best.
Phidippus whitmani
| Lifespan | 1-2 years |
| Distribution | Canada and the United States |
| Habitat | Older, mixed hardwood forests |
| Diet | Insects and other spiders |
Image Source: inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com, biolib.cz
Roy Williams on May 17, 2022.
Dr. Watuwa James
© 2023 (Spider Identifications). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
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