Evarcha

Simon, 1902

Species Guides

Evarcha hoyi(Hoy's Jumping Spider)
Evarcha proszynskii(Proszynski's Jumping Spider)

Evarcha is a of jumping spiders (Salticidae) containing approximately 85-98 distributed worldwide. Members are generally sturdy, often brownish in coloration, and not particularly colorful. The genus is best known for the unusual feeding of E. culicivora, which feeds indirectly on vertebrate blood by preying on blood-carrying mosquitoes. Most species occur in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, with some representatives in North America.

Evarcha by (c) Lukas Jonaitis, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Evarcha by (c) Wynand Uys, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wynand Uys. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Evarcha: /ɛˈvɑrkə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Sturdy body build distinguishes Evarcha from more gracile salticid . The subdued brownish coloration separates it from vividly patterned jumping spider genera. -level identification requires examination of genitalia and other detailed morphological features.

Images

Habitat

Often found on shrubs and short plants in damp areas, resting in silken . Some associate with specific plants such as camara and Ricinus communis.

Distribution

Most occur in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. E. amabilis and E. hoyi are restricted to the United States. E. proszynskii ranges from Russia to Japan and across North America from Canada to the United States. The has been reported from Australia.

Behavior

Rests in silken on vegetation. Some are active at night and may shelter on building exteriors. E. culicivora exhibits complex display with pronounced courtship versatility; both sexes actively initiate and sustain courtship, and both are cannibalistic.

Ecological Role

Predatory jumping spiders that contribute to control. E. culicivora may play a role in limiting mosquito populations through specialized on blood-carrying mosquitoes.

Similar Taxa

AfraflacillaClosely related reinstated and distinguished from Evarcha through taxonomic revision; both occur in overlapping geographic regions.
Other Salticidae generaEvarcha can be distinguished by its sturdy, typically brownish appearance compared to more gracile or vividly colored jumping spiders.

More Details

Specialized feeding in E. culicivora

E. culicivora is an unusual that feeds indirectly on vertebrate blood by choosing blood-carrying mosquitoes as preferred prey. It has been observed feeding on nectar from camara and Ricinus communis, and responds to the odor of these plants.

Courtship behavior

Unlike most studied salticids where females primarily control courtship initiation, both male and female E. culicivora actively initiate and sustain courtship. Females run a higher risk of being killed by males than vice versa during courtship, contrary to the common emphasis on female of males in spiders.