Beetle-mimic
Guides
Rhetenor
Rhetenor is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1902. Spiders in this genus are known for their beetle-mimicking appearance. As of 2019, the genus contains two described species: R. diversipes and R. texanus. The genus name references Rhetnor, a character from Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Sassacus cyaneus
Sassacus cyaneus is a small jumping spider native to eastern and central North America. Adults measure 2.4-4.8 mm in body length, with females larger than males. The species exhibits distinctive metallic coloration and a compact, beetle-like appearance that may serve as Batesian mimicry of chemically defended leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Originally described as Attus cyaneus in 1846, it was transferred to Sassacus in 2008 when the genus Agassa was synonymized. The specific epithet refers to the dark blue metallic coloration.