Marpissa lineata

(C. L. Koch, 1846)

Four-lined Slender Jumping Spider

Marpissa lineata is a small jumping spider in the Salticidae, commonly known as the Four-lined Slender Jumping Spider. It is distinguished by distinctive banded markings on the and legs that give the its name. Females are larger than males, measuring 3.50–5.20 mm versus 3.00–4.00 mm. The species is widely distributed across the eastern half of North America, where it inhabits leaf litter in forest, shrub, and prairie grass .

Marpissa lineata by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Marpissa lineata by (c) David E. Hill, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Marpissa lineata by (c) Tyler Bishop, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tyler Bishop. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Marpissa lineata: /mɑrˈpɪs.sə lɪˈneɪ.ə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar Marpissa by the distinctive banded pattern on the opisthosoma and legs. The dark band on the that narrows anteriorly and broadens posteriorly (sometimes bifurcating into inverted Y shape) is particularly characteristic. Males can be identified by the broad tibial with shallow notch on the . The species is apparently displaced by M. sulcosa in Florida and along the southern coast, which may aid in geographic identification.

Images

Habitat

Common in leaf mould in forest and shrub . Also a common member of the litter in prairie grass communities. Found in ground-level microhabitats among decomposing plant material.

Distribution

Widely distributed across the eastern half of North America. Recorded from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan in the United States. Also present in Canada. Absent or displaced in Florida and along the southern coast by M. sulcosa.

Similar Taxa

Marpissa sulcosaDisplaces M. lineata in Florida and along the southern coast; similar in preferences but distinguishable by distribution and presumably subtle morphological differences

More Details

Etymology

The name lineata is Latin for 'lined' or 'striped', referring to the distinctive banded markings on the opisthosoma and legs.