Phidippus

C. L. Koch, 1846

Species Guides

47

Phidippus is a of large jumping spiders in the Salticidae, containing approximately 80 described as of 2021. The genus is distributed almost exclusively in North America, with two notable exceptions: Phidippus audax has been introduced to Hawaii, the Azores, and India's Nicobar Islands, while Phidippus regius has been introduced to Easter Island. Many species are distinguished by brilliant iridescent green , a trait that has made them popular among macrophotographers. The genus name derives from Ancient Greek, meaning "one who spares horses."

Phidippus regius by no rights reserved, uploaded by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.Phidippus by (c) Thomas Shahan, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Phidippus clarus by no rights reserved. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phidippus: //fɪˈdɪpəs//

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

Identification

The most reliable diagnostic feature for the is the presence of iridescent green or red in most , though Phidippus octopunctatus notably lacks this trait. Members are among the largest jumping spiders in North America, with body lengths ranging from approximately 7 to 14 mm depending on species and sex. Females are typically larger than males. Accurate species identification requires microscopic examination of external genitalia, as color patterns vary extensively within and between species, and specimens cannot be reliably identified to species.

Images

Habitat

occupy diverse terrestrial including grasslands, prairies, plains, dry fields, deserts, and open woodlands. Elevational range extends from lowlands to approximately 7,000 feet. Vegetation preferences vary by species: Phidippus clarus selects taller vegetation while Phidippus apacheanus uses shorter vegetation in grassland habitats. Microhabitats include shrubs, perennials, cacti, yucca, oak, and juniper where spiders actively hunt for prey.

Distribution

Native range encompasses North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico and the Caribbean, with greatest diversity in the United States. Two have established outside this native range through human-mediated introduction: Phidippus audax in Hawaii, the Azores, and India (Nicobar Islands), and Phidippus regius on Easter Island. Several species historically described from India, Bangladesh, and South America have been determined to be misplaced in the and await taxonomic revision.

Seasonality

activity patterns vary by and latitude. Phidippus apacheanus males are most common in autumn. Phidippus asotus matures in fall but adults may overwinter. Phidippus octopunctatus adults are usually found in summer. In temperate regions, mature individuals of some species can be found nearly year-round.

Life Cycle

Females construct sacs in protected locations such as beneath bark on logs or in other concealed . Females guard egg sacs and subsequent spiderlings. Specific details of developmental stages, egg number, and time vary by and remain incompletely documented for most .

Behavior

All are active visual that stalk and pounce on prey rather than building capture webs. Hunting occurs primarily during daylight hours, with peak observed between 1030 and 1500 hours in studied . Phidippus audax males and females exhibit sexually dimorphic foraging strategies: males feed at uniformly low rates throughout life and become sated rapidly, while females feed at high rates until developing large masses then nearly cease feeding before oviposition. Males prefer small prey (6-19 mg) while females prefer intermediate-sized prey (38 mg). Prey selection is based on activity level and crawling velocity rather than size alone, though prey size influences pursuit speed and handling time. Phidippus princeps movement is directed by vegetated corridors, with spiders invariably choosing vegetated over bare ground for and immigration between patches; they rarely cross open ground even at high . Phidippus regius demonstrates individual recognition of conspecifics based on long-term visual memory, habituating to familiar individuals and showing renewed interest in novel individuals.

Ecological Role

Significant in terrestrial . Phidippus audax has been documented consuming crop pest including tarnished plant bug, spotted cucumber beetle, and three-cornered alfalfa hopper in agricultural , with estimated removal of approximately 10% of tarnished plant bug every 1-2 weeks in late-season cotton fields. rates on abundant prey species may be lower than expected based on availability, suggesting selective foraging. The contributes to of insect populations in natural and agricultural systems.

Human Relevance

Popular subjects for macrophotography due to large size, colorful appearance, and iridescent . Frequently kept in captivity by spider enthusiasts. Bites can occur if spiders are restrained but are not considered dangerously venomous to healthy humans; effects vary by individual immune response. Some have been introduced to non-native regions through human commerce. The name references a slave physician to King Deiotarus mentioned in Cicero's speech Pro Rege Deiotaro.

Similar Taxa

  • MenemerusSimilar gestalt and body form, particularly in neotropical regions where Phidippus does not naturally occur; distinguished by non-iridescent and different arrangement proportions
  • EuophrysSome neotropical historically confused with Phidippus; Euophrys sutrix from Argentina was initially mistaken for Phidippus by photographers due to convergent large-bodied, fuzzy appearance, but lacks iridescent and belongs to Euophryinae rather than Salticinae

Misconceptions

The epithet octopunctatus (eight-spotted) does not accurately describe Phidippus octopunctatus, which lacks eight spots. The "Apache Jumping Spider" for Phidippus apacheanus is not universally standardized. Several species from India, Bangladesh, and South America were historically described in Phidippus but do not belong to this ; these misplaced species await formal taxonomic transfer.

More Details

Taxonomic Revision

The most comprehensive modern revision by G.B. Edwards (2004) recognized 60 valid ; subsequent descriptions have increased this to approximately 80 species as of 2021. Edwards' revision identified numerous misplaced species from South America and Asia that remain formally un transferred to other pending further study.

Visual System

Members possess the characteristic salticid visual system with eight in four rows, including greatly enlarged eyes providing acute vision for stalking prey and navigating complex environments. This visual acuity supports sophisticated including individual recognition documented in Phidippus regius.

Conservation Relevance

Studies on Phidippus princeps demonstrate that corridor design significantly influences movement , with vegetated corridors facilitating interpatch movement while bare ground acts as barrier. This has implications for landscape connectivity conservation for visually-oriented with restricted habitat .

Sources and further reading