Sassacus paiutus
(Gertsch, 1934)
Sassacus paiutus is a of jumping spider in the Salticidae, first described by Gertsch in 1934. It belongs to a noted for compact body form, iridescent coloration, and suspected leaf beetle mimicry. The genus name honors Sassacus, the last chief of the Pequot Indians. Like other jumping spiders, it is a visual with distinctive courtship .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sassacus paiutus: /ˈsæsəkəs paɪˈjuːtəs/
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Identification
Members of the Sassacus are characterized by very short legs, with the fourth pair longest and the third pair next longest. The first pair is the thickest, bearing one or two pairs of spines used in prey capture. The body is compact and covered in iridescent , giving a -like appearance. females measure 4.4–5.5 mm; adult males measure 3–5 mm. Specific diagnostic features for S. paiutus are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Sassacus have been observed on broadleaved plants in open fields and along forest edges. The occurs in prairie and similar open .
Distribution
The Sassacus occurs from southern British Columbia south into Central America, and is widespread in the United States and Mexico. Sassacus paiutus specifically has been recorded in the USA and Mexico.
Behavior
Males engage in visual , making zigzag or spiral approaches to females and raising and crossing their front legs once they have gained female attention. They subsequently raise and lower their front legs until accepted or rebuffed. Abdominal twitching during courtship produces an auditory stimulus that has been recorded in laboratory studies of related Sassacus .
Similar Taxa
- Sassacus papenhoeiAnother in the same with overlapping distribution in Colorado and similar compact, iridescent appearance
- Sassacus vitisAnother in the same with overlapping distribution in Colorado and similar compact, iridescent appearance
- Certain Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles)Sassacus are suspected mimics of leaf beetles, sharing similar iridescent coloration and compact body form as a defensive strategy
More Details
Etymology
The name 'Sassacus' honors the last chief of the Pequot Indians, a Native American tribe of the Connecticut Valley that was defeated in a war with English settlers in 1637.