Phidippus whitmani

G. W. Peckham & E. G. Peckham, 1909

Whitman's jumping spider

Phidippus whitmani is a of jumping spider to North America, named after American zoologist Charles Otis Whitman. It displays pronounced in coloration, with males exhibiting striking red surfaces and females typically brown or reddish depending on geographic location. The species matures in late spring and is commonly associated with older mixed hardwood forests.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phidippus whitmani: //fɪˈdɪpəs ˈwɪtməni//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Phidippus by combination of: red coloration in males (shared with P. apacheanus but with different pattern details); white abdominal band with spotted lateral band; black non-metallic with white fringe. Females may be confused with other brown Phidippus species; geographic location and precise pattern details aid identification. Definitive identification requires examination of genitalia under microscope.

Images

Appearance

Medium-sized jumping spider with robust, densely hairy body. Males: surface of and bright red, with white band along top of abdomen and lateral band containing small black or white spots; black band in frontal region; white setae on forelegs; black with white fringe. Females: similar pattern of spots and bands, but abdomen and cephalothorax typically brown in northern range, reddish in southern range.

Habitat

Older, mixed hardwood forests; found in leaf litter and on herbaceous vegetation. Specific microhabitat preferences within forests not well documented.

Distribution

North America: United States (Florida to New York/New Hampshire, west to Colorado) and Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Québec, Manitoba, Ontario). Ranked as apparently secure in Ontario.

Seasonality

mature in May or June; females lay in July and August. Activity period likely extends through growing season but specific details beyond are not documented.

Life Cycle

with as immatures or : spiders mature in late spring (May-June), females oviposit mid-summer (July-August), spiderlings emerge and develop through remainder of season. Specific details of sac construction, number of eggs, and developmental stages not documented.

Behavior

Active visual hunter typical of salticids; stalks prey. Specific behavioral repertoire (, territoriality, silk use) not documented for this .

Ecological Role

in forest floor and understory ; contributes to regulation of insect in mixed hardwood forest .

Human Relevance

Named for Charles Otis Whitman, American zoologist; no documented economic importance, medical significance, or conservation concern. Occasionally encountered by naturalists and photographers due to attractive male coloration.

Similar Taxa

Phidippus apacheanusMales also have red coloration, but differ in pattern details and geographic distribution (primarily western and central grasslands rather than eastern hardwood forests)
Phidippus audaxSimilar size and general form, but typically has bold black and white or iridescent markings rather than red coloration

More Details

Etymology

Named in honor of Charles Otis Whitman (1842-1910), American zoologist and ornithologist known for his work in embryology and animal

Conservation Status

Ranked as apparently secure in Ontario, Canada; no formal conservation assessments available for other portions of range