Regal Jumper

Phidippus regius

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Genus: Phidippus
Species: regius

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phidippus regius: /ˈfɪdɪpəs ˈriːdʒiəs/

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

Images

Immature male Phidippus regius 111564747 by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.

Immature male Phidippus regius 111564687 by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.

Phidippus regius female 01 by Nosferattus. Used under a CC0 license.

Eyes of a Female Jumping Spider - Phidippus regius - Florida (8177287529) by Thomas Shahan from USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Female Regal Jumping Spider by LukeDN. Used under a CC0 license.

Phidippus regius 9323 by platycryptus. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Phidippus regius, or the regal jumper, is the largest jumping spider species in eastern North America, notable for its distinctive physical features and colorful chelicerae. It inhabits areas in the southeastern USA and the Caribbean and showcases fascinating behaviors such as silk nest building.

Physical Characteristics

Adult males 6 - 18 mm, adult females 7 - 22 mm. Males have a larger first pair of legs with black and white fringe; the opisthosoma is black with white markings. Females may show white or orange markings and have a body covered with scales in various colors. Chelicerae vary in coloration: males have iridescent green-blue-violet and tubercles, while females have iridescent green or red-violet without tubercles.

Identification Tips

Look for the large males with disproportionate leg size and distinctive black and white fringed legs. The chelicerae color and markings on the opisthosoma are key traits for differentiation.

Habitat

Commonly found in open areas like fields and light woodlands; prefers trees and walls of buildings for hunting. Nests are built in palm fronds or secluded wooden structures.

Distribution

Found in the southeastern United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Greater Antilles, and introduced to Easter Island. Most abundant in Florida and ranges from South Mississippi to North Carolina and South Carolina in the US.

Diet

Observed eating tree frogs; known to be insectivorous, preying on various small insects.

Life Cycle

Juvenile females may develop scales by the third instar; males remain black and white throughout their life.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs under tree bark or in secluded spots in wooden structures like barns.