Phidippus cardinalis

(Hentz, 1845)

cardinal jumper

Phidippus cardinalis is a jumping spider in the Salticidae, commonly known as the cardinal jumper. The is notable for its striking red and black coloration, which serves as mimicry of velvet ants (mutillid in the Dasymutilla). These wasps possess painful stings, and the spider's resemblance likely provides protection from . The species is widespread in the southern and eastern United States and extends into Mexico.

Phidippus cardinalis 6395173 by Gordon C. Snelling. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Phidippus cardinalis male - Oklahoma 2 by Thomas Shahan 3. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Adult female Phidippus cardinalis face by Salticidude. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phidippus cardinalis: /ˈfɪdɪpəs ˌkɑrdɪˈnælɪs/

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Identification

Males display orange-red coloration with lighter, often silvery bristles; females are generally larger with similar color patterns. Distinguished from the similar Phidippus apacheanus by its more orange (rather than intense red) hue and lighter bristles. Abdominal markings provide additional diagnostic features: P. cardinalis typically shows a light line around the and sometimes small light spots dorsally, which are absent in P. apacheanus. The is not entirely black (unlike P. clarus, which has a black cephalothorax with bright abdominal markings).

Images

Habitat

Open including prairie and grassland environments with sparse vegetation. Found on thinly soiled rocky exposures, particularly dolomite substrates.

Distribution

Southern and eastern United States; confirmed in Western and Northern Colorado. Mexico. Possibly Panama, though this requires confirmation.

Behavior

Exhibits evasive when approached, preferring to remain concealed behind vegetation rather than moving into open areas. Displays erratic, jerky movement when disturbed.

Ecological Role

; participates in mimicry complex with velvet ants (Dasymutilla spp.), potentially gaining protection from predators through .

Similar Taxa

  • Phidippus apacheanusNearly identical male coloration; distinguished by more intense red color, lack of abdominal markings, and darker bristles
  • Phidippus clarusSimilar size and jumping spider ; distinguished by black and bright abdominal markings

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Sources and further reading