Dasymutilla flammifera

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Pompiloidea
Family: Mutillidae
Subfamily: Sphaeropthalminae
Tribe: Dasymutillini
Genus: Dasymutilla
Species: flammifera

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dasymutilla flammifera: //ˌdæ.siˈmjuː.tɪ.lə ˌflæˈmɪ.fə.rə//

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

Summary

Phidippus apacheanus is a species of jumping spider, known for its mimicry of the western velvet ant Dasymutilla flammifera, displaying interesting courtship behaviors and adapted to various habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Large for a jumping spider; small males measure 3.3mm, while large females can measure up to 22mm. They are black with orange, red, or yellow coloration on top, and females typically have a black line on the abdomen. The chelicerae are iridescent green.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic black and orange/red/yellow coloration and the black line on the female's abdomen. Males perform a zigzag courtship display.

Habitat

Found in grasslands, fields, and deserts, typically between 500 and 1800 m above sea level.

Distribution

Observed in the United States, Mexico, and Cuba.

Reproduction

Males perform a complex courtship display involving specific movements of the carapace and pedipalps; successful males touch the female's genital pore with their pedipalp after an acceptance dance by the female.

Similar Taxa