Locating Salticidae (Jumping spiders)

Yesterday, I was out collecting some Ironweed seed (Vernonia sp. - probably V. fasciculata) for a native plant meadow my brother is planting. While collecting some seeds, I noticed a small webbed structure on the plant among the seed pods. Further inspection showed that it was occupied by a Phidippus species. Since these overnight pocket shelters are larger and typically much more visible than their inhabitants (white webbing vs assorted colors), I started looking around and quickly found several more. This seems like another possibility for finding Salticids - especially when the available search time is in late afternoon.

2 Likes

Yeah, such retreats are worth to check. At some times throughout the year you might find certain life stages (e.g. subadults) in their retreats while almost none of them are roaming around outside.

1 Like

This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.