Attulus fasciger

(Simon, 1880)

Asiatic Wall Jumping Spider

Attulus fasciger is a small jumping spider native to northern and western Asia, introduced to North America in the mid-20th century. It measures 3–4 mm and exhibits brownish-black coloration with mottled brown-and-grey patterning. The has successfully established in human-modified environments, particularly on man-made structures where artificial lighting extends its foraging opportunities. Males are distinguished from females by a more slender and enlarged black palps.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Attulus fasciger: //ˈæt.juˌlʊs ˈfæ.sɪ.dʒər//

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Identification

Small jumping spider, 3–4 mm in length, with brownish-black coloration and mottled brown-and-grey patterning. Eight arranged in the typical salticid pattern. Males possess a more slender than females and have noticeably larger black palps. Sexes are similar in overall body size.

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Habitat

Strongly associated with human-modified environments. Colonizes man-made structures including building walls and exteriors. Found in urban and suburban settings where artificial lighting attracts prey.

Distribution

Native to northern and western Asia, including Russia (Middle Siberia to Far East), China, Korea, and Japan. Introduced to North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. First documented in North America in the 1950s or 1960s.

Diet

Active that hunts visually. Has been observed capitalizing on artificial lighting on buildings, which attracts prey at night and provides extended foraging opportunities.

Behavior

Nocturnally active around artificial light sources. Uses visual acuity for prey detection and hunting.

Human Relevance

Successful introduced in North America, established through association with human infrastructure. Presence on buildings and artificial structures brings it into regular contact with human environments.

Similar Taxa

  • Attulus distinguendusBoth are small Attulus jumping spiders with similar body plans; A. distinguendus is Critically Endangered in the UK and restricted to brownfield sites, while A. fasciger is widespread and associated with human structures. A. distinguendus is larger (up to 5 mm) and has different requirements.

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