Phidippus johnsoni

Distinguished from other Phidippus species by the combination of bright red abdomen, iridescent teal chelicerae, and black body. The black central abdominal stripe in females separates them from males. Similar species Phidippus apacheanus has red on both abdomen and cephalothorax, whereas P. johnsoni has black cephalothorax. Microscopic examination of genitalia required for definitive identification when color patterns overlap with other species. Not to be confused with the unrelated and highly venomous redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti).

Occupies relatively dry habitats from sea level to tree line. Found in coastal dunes, oak woodlands, and similar open, dry environments. Constructs tubular silken nests under rocks, wood on the ground, and occasionally on grape vines. Nocturnal shelter and molting occur within these nests.

Western North America bounded by the Great Plains to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west, northern Mexico to the south, and southern Canada to the north. Specific records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, and throughout the western United States.

Active during warmer months. Specific seasonal patterns not well documented, but adults observed year-round in favorable climates. Courtship and mating occur within nests.

Generalist predator feeding on insects approximately half its own size, with observed prey ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm. Documented prey includes flies, true bugs, moth caterpillars and adults, and other spiders. Cannibalism observed, specifically females feeding on males.

Egg laying, molting, and courtship occur within constructed silken nests. Spiderlings emerge from egg sacs guarded by female. Development includes multiple instars before reaching adulthood.

Constructs conspicuous tubular silken nests for shelter during night and inclement weather. Actively hunts rather than building webs for prey capture. Remains inside nests for molting, egg laying, and sometimes courtship and mating. Prey size selection flexible, targeting items roughly half body size but capable of handling range from 2 mm to 10 mm.

Generalist predator controlling populations of various insects and other spiders. Mimicry of velvet ants (Dasymutilla) may provide protection from predators familiar with the wasps' painful sting.

Not considered dangerously venomous to humans. Bites possible if handled roughly, but spiders typically flee rather than bite. One individual sent to space by NASA in 2012 as part of biological research. Occasionally encountered in gardens and human-modified landscapes within its range.

• Phidippus apacheanusSimilar large size and red coloration, but P. apacheanus has red on both abdomen and cephalothorax, whereas P. johnsoni has black cephalothorax with red abdomen only.
• Latrodectus hasseltiUnrelated species with similar common name 'redback spider'; highly venomous, distinguished by web-building behavior, different body shape, and lack of jumping spider eye arrangement.

Commonly confused with the highly venomous redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) due to similar common names, but the two species are unrelated and easily distinguished by morphology and behavior.

• jumping spider
• western North America
• mimicry
• velvet ant mimic
• red abdomen
• teal chelicerae
• Salticidae

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Phidippus octopunctatus
• Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Phidippus asotus
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