Phidippus princeps

Distinguished from other Phidippus species by the combination of grayish overall coloration (especially in females), metallic blue chelicerae, and specific pattern elements. Males identified by red/black/white coloration with white stripes on pedipalps. Females identified by large rounded abdomen, smaller carapace, and somber coloration contrasting with males. Distinguished from P. octopunctatus by lack of silvery gray dorsal coloration and presence of metallic blue rather than non-metallic jaws.

Sexually dimorphic jumping spider with distinct male and female forms. Males exhibit vivid coloration: red and black patterning with white stripes, metallic blue chelicerae, and a tapered abdomen. Females are larger with somber, grayish coloration, a distinctly rounded and enlarged abdomen, smaller carapace relative to body size, and lack the bright patterning of males. Both sexes possess the large anterior median eyes characteristic of Salticidae. Adult males average smaller body size than females.

Old fields dominated by alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Occupies vegetated patches within fragmented landscapes. Requires vegetated corridors for movement between habitat patches; avoids bare ground and open areas.

Eastern United States and Canada. Records from Missouri, with specific observations from Howell County in the Ozark region. Eastern North American distribution distinct from western Phidippus species.

Adults observed in spring (April-May) based on field records. Activity period likely extends through summer given life history of related species.

Active predator of insects and other small arthropods. Observed preying on caterpillars. Hunting strategy involves visual detection and stalking followed by jumping capture.

Development includes egg, spiderling, and adult stages. Spiderlings may exhibit vaguely striped abdominal patterning. Sexual maturity marked by distinct adult coloration and morphology, particularly pronounced in males.

Visually oriented predator with exceptional eyesight. Movement behavior strongly affected by habitat structure: invariably chooses vegetated corridors over bare pathways for emigration and immigration between patches. Rarely moves between patches when only bare pathways available. Will not risk open ground even at high conspecific density. Reduced skittishness when consuming prey, facilitating closer approach. Males highly active and difficult to photograph due to persistent evasion behavior; females more sedentary when feeding.

Visual predator in old field and grassland ecosystems. Movement ecology suggests role in connecting fragmented populations through corridor-dependent dispersal. Potential prey source for larger predators.

Subject of ecological research on corridor effects and habitat fragmentation. Popular subject for macrophotography due to striking male coloration, though challenging to photograph due to evasive behavior. No documented agricultural or medical significance.

• Phidippus octopunctatusSimilar genus and body plan, but P. octopunctatus has silvery gray dorsal coloration in males, lacks metallic blue chelicerae (jaws are non-metallic), and occurs in western North America (prairies, grasslands, deserts from Washington to Texas) rather than eastern regions. P. princeps males have red/black/white patterning with metallic blue chelicerae.
• Other Phidippus speciesMany Phidippus species share metallic chelicerae and jumping spider morphology; identification to species level requires examination of specific color patterns, particularly male pedipalp markings and overall body coloration. P. princeps specifically identified by grayish tones and distinct male patterning.

• Salticidae
• jumping spider
• sexual dimorphism
• habitat corridor
• old field
• visual predator
• North America
• macrophotography subject

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Arachnida | Beetles In The Bush | Page 4
• Araneae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 4
• techniques | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
• Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Phidippus octopunctatus
• Effect of corridors on the movement behavior of the jumping spider Phidippus princeps (Araneae, Salticidae)