Habronattus cognatus
(G.W. Peckham & E.G. Peckham, 1901)
Habronattus cognatus is a of jumping spider in the Salticidae, native to North America. Like other members of the Habronattus, males are known for elaborate combining visual and acoustic signals. The genus is notable for having the third pair of legs modified for visual recognition by females during courtship. The species has been recorded from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada, with broader distribution across North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Habronattus cognatus: /hæbroʊˈnætəs kɒɡˈneɪtəs/
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Identification
Habronattus cognatus can be distinguished from similar jumping spiders by characteristics typical of the Habronattus, including modified third legs in males used for . Males in this genus often have prominent spurs or other ornamentation on the third leg 'knee' joint that are visible with magnification. Specific diagnostic features for H. cognatus versus require examination of genitalia. The genus is most diverse in the southwestern United States, but H. cognatus occurs in more northerly regions including the Canadian prairies.
Images
Habitat
Ground-dwelling in areas of scattered vegetation; found on stones and amid leaf litter. Based on -level , likely occupies open including grasslands, prairies, and plains.
Distribution
North America; recorded from Alberta and Manitoba, Canada. The ranges from above the Arctic Circle to coastal Canada, with highest diversity in the southwestern United States and Florida.
Behavior
Males perform complex multimodal involving both visual signals (leg movements displaying modified third legs) and acoustic signals (drumming or tapping vibrations through the substrate). These elaborate courtship , synchronized between visual and vibratory components, are among the most complex known in terrestrial .
Similar Taxa
- Habronattus cuspidatusSame with similar male leg modifications for courtship; occurs in Colorado and other western regions
- Habronattus calcaratusClosely related with similar elaborate courtship and third leg modifications
- Other Habronattus speciesApproximately 100 in , many with similar ground-dwelling habits and complex male ; identification to species requires examination of genitalia