Habronattus forticulus
(Gertsch & Mulaik, 1936)
Habronattus forticulus is a of in the Salticidae, first described by Gertsch & Mulaik in 1936. It belongs to a large of small, ground-dwelling known for elaborate . The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, inhabiting prairie and open grassland where it hunts actively using vision rather than building webs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Habronattus forticulus: //hæb.rəˈnæt.əs fɔrˈtɪk.jʊləs//
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Habitat
Prairie and open grassland with scattered vegetation; found on the ground, on stones, and amid leaf litter. The Habronattus is typically ground-dwelling rather than .
Distribution
United States and Mexico. Records indicate presence in southwestern U.S. states and southward into Mexico.
Behavior
As a member of the Habronattus, this likely exhibits complex multimodal involving both visual and vibratory signals. Males in this genus typically use modified third legs for visual display to females, combined with substrate-borne acoustic signals.
Similar Taxa
- Habronattus cuspidatusBoth occur in Colorado and share the characteristic large on the 'knee' joint of the third leg in males, a -level trait used in .
- Habronattus calcaratusClosely related with similar elaborate involving modified third legs and vibratory signaling.
More Details
Genus characteristics
Habronattus is a large of approximately 100 , with the greatest diversity in the southwestern United States. Members are small , often 3-4 millimeters in length, and males frequently display colors used in courtship.