Salticus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Genus: Salticus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Salticus: //ˈsal.ti.kʊs//

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

Images

Summary

Salticus is a genus of jumping spiders from the family Salticidae, known for their distinctive coloration and hunting behaviors. They are commonly found near water and are associated with diverse habitats worldwide, except Antarctica.

Physical Characteristics

Coloration is determined by various scales (modified setae) covering a brown or black integument. Narrow scales (or hairs) may be black or red/rust colored, while broad scales are either iridescent (often magenta or green) or opaque granular white or yellow. Species range in length from 3-7 mm. Males are smaller than females, but have elongated chelicerae and pedipalps.

Identification Tips

Several common species have a dorsal pattern of black narrow scales and white granular scales arranged in transverse stripes, especially on the abdomen, leading to the common name 'zebra spiders'.

Habitat

Like most Salticidae, they prefer open, sunny habitats and are often found on vertical surfaces including man-made structures and tree trunks. They are commonly found near water.

Distribution

This genus has at least one species recorded from every continent except Antarctica. A common species, S. scenicus, is widely distributed in Holarctic regions, particularly in human habitations.

Diet

Salticus species are known to feast on emergent aquatic gnats and other insects, with dipterans accounting for about 70% of their prey items. They have been observed preying on insects several times their body size.