Phidippus mystaceus

(Hentz, 1846)

Moustached Jumping Spider

Phidippus mystaceus is a of jumping spider in the Salticidae, native to North America. Females are notable for distinctive markings above the that resemble a moustache, giving the species its name from the Greek mystax. The species was previously known under the synonym P. asinarius, a reference to donkey ear-like markings. Females reach approximately 10 mm in body length.

Phidippus mystaceus by (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）. Used under a CC-BY license.

Phidippus mystaceus eyes by Patrick Edwin Moran. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phidippus mystaceus: /ˈfɪ.dɪ.pəs mɪˈsta.ke.jus/

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Identification

Females can be recognized by the prominent pale markings above the that form a moustache-like pattern; this feature is the source of both the epithet and an older synonym referring to donkey ear-like markings. Males and females differ in coloration and pattern, with females being the more conspicuously marked sex. Accurate identification to species level within Phidippus requires examination of external genitalia under magnification, as color patterns overlap with related species.

Images

Distribution

North America; records from the United States.

Similar Taxa

Phidippus apacheanusOverlaps in geographic range and shares ; color patterns are variable and can appear similar, requiring genital examination for definitive separation.
Other Phidippus speciesNumerous occur in North America with overlapping coloration and pattern; microscopic examination of external genitalia is necessary for reliable identification.

More Details

Etymology

The name derives from Ancient Greek mystax, meaning 'moustache', referring to the distinctive facial markings of females. The synonym P. asinarius referred to the same markings interpreted as resembling donkey ears.