Habronattus cuspidatus
Griswold, 1987
Habronattus cuspidatus is a of in the Salticidae. It is found in the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada. Males of this species possess a distinctive large on the knee joint of the third leg, which is used in . The species is part of the large Habronattus , which contains approximately 100 species and is known for elaborate multimodal courtship involving both visual and vibratory signals.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Habronattus cuspidatus: //hæbroʊˈnætəs ˌkʌspɪˈdeɪtəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Males are readily identified by the large on the knee joint of the third leg, a feature visible under magnification. This structure distinguishes H. cuspidatus from other Habronattus and most other . Identification of females and specimens likely requires examination of or comparison with reference specimens.
Habitat
Ground-dwelling found in areas of scattered vegetation. Occurs on stones and amid leaf litter.
Distribution
North America: United States and Canada. Canadian records include Alberta and Manitoba.
Behavior
Males engage in elaborate using the modified third legs. During courtship, males bend the third legs to maximize visibility of the knee joint to females. The Habronattus is known for complex multimodal courtship combining visual signals with vibratory (acoustic) signals produced by drumming or tapping on the substrate.
Similar Taxa
- Other Habronattus speciesMany Habronattus have modified third legs used in courtship, but the specific form and of the knee in H. cuspidatus is distinctive. Related species such as H. calcaratus have similar but not identical leg modifications.
- Euophrys monadnockAnother small, colorful male found in similar in Colorado. Males of E. monadnock have bright orange on the third and fourth legs and black hair brushes on the legs, but lack the prominent knee characteristic of H. cuspidatus.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Habronattus was revised by Wayne P. Maddison and contains approximately 100 , most occurring in North America with some in the neotropics. The greatest diversity is in the southwestern United States, though species also range above the Circle and to coastal Canada.
Research context
Habronattus have been studied for their elaborate , which has been described as among the most complex of any terrestrial . Research by Elias et al. (2012) documented complex multimodal courtship in the Habronattus coecatus group, combining visual displays with vibratory signals synchronized like an orchestral composition.