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Phidippus audax

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Phidippus audax
Female inColumbia County, Florida
Scientific classificationEdit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Salticidae
Subfamily: Salticinae
Genus: Phidippus
Species:
P. audax
Binomial name
Phidippus audax
(Hentz,1845)
Synonyms
Phidippus audaxwith a white spot on the back, found in Nashville, Tennessee

Phidippus audax,theBold jumperorDaring jumping spider,is a common species of spider belonging to thegenusPhidippus,a group of jumping spiders easily identified by their large eyes and theiriridescentchelicerae.[1][2]Like all jumping spiders, they have excellentstereoscopic visionthat aids them in stalking prey and facilitates visual communication with potential mates duringcourting.[1]Bold jumping spiders are native toNorth Americaand have been introduced toHawaii,Nicobar Islands,Azores,and theNetherlands.[3][4][5]They are typically black with a distinct white triangle on their abdomen.[3]

Bold jumping spiders are solitarycarnivoresthat use their highly specialized eyesight to actively hunt and stalk prey.[3]They prey on a variety ofinsectsand non-insect terrestrialarthropodssuch as caterpillars, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and other spiders.[3][6][2]They are one of the most common spiders found in agricultural areas and have been studied to determine their impact on crop pest populations.[6]Unlike most spiders, bold jumpers do not build webs to catch prey.[6]

These spiders can be found intemperate climatesin a variety ofterrestrialhabitats including grasslands,chaparrals,open woodlands, and agricultural fields.[3][4][2]The bold jumper is one of the most commonly occurring spider species within its range and is often found living in close proximity to humans.[2][7]Bites fromPhidippus audaxare rare but may occur if they feel threatened or are mishandled.[2][7]

Naming

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Phidippus audaxare commonly referred to as "bold jumping spiders" or "bold jumpers".[8]The species name,audax,is a Latin adjective meaning "audacious" or "bold".[8]This name was first used to describe the species by French arachnologistNicholas Marcellus Hentz,who described the spider as being, "very bold, often jumping on the hand which threatens it".[9]Bold jumpers belongs to the jumping spider family,Salticidae,which is derived from the Latin word "saltare" meaning "to jump".[10]

History

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The bold jumping spider is believed to have first been described in 1833 by French entomologist,Pierre-Hippolyte Lucas,who named the spiderSalticus variegatus.[11]In 1845,Nicholas Marcellus Hentzpublished his work describing a species he called Attus audax.[11]These types were believed to be the same species, but due to the loss of specimens there was much confusion about their identities.[9][11]In 1846,Carl Ludwig Kochcreated the genusPhidippusin whichPhidippus variegatus(Lucas) andPhidippus audax(Hentz) were considered separate species, with southern specimens regarded asPhidippus variegatusand northern specimens regarded asPhidippus audax.[9][11]However, the use ofPhidippus audaxwas favored and further research concluded that they were the same species.[4]The nameSalticus variegatushas since been declared "nomen oblitum".[5]

Taxonomy

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Further information:Jumping spider

The bold jumper is a member of the genusPhidippusand belongs to theSalticidaefamily.[5]This family is distinguished by their highly evolvedstereoscopic visionand unique hunting behavior.[1]In 2004,Glavis Bernard Edwards,ataxonomicentomologist specializing in spiders, published a study in which he analyzed specimens of the genusPhidippusand hypothesized their taxonomic placement.[4]Phidippus audaxwas placed in a clade withPhidippus princeps,Phidippus pulcherrimus,Phidippus bidentatus,Phidippus felinus, andPhidippus workmani.[4]These species were distinguished by the presence of partial vertical ridges in the centraldistalpart of thepalea.[4]Phidippus bidentatuswas hypothesized to be the closest relative ofPhidippus audaxbecause they share thesynapomorphyof having the maleenditeconcave laterally.[4]: 18 

Description

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Further information:Spider anatomy

The adult female bold jumper ranges from 8-15 mm in body length.[3]The males are smaller and adults range from 6-13 mm in body length.[3]They are typically black with anovoidabdomenand roundcephalothorax.[4]The presence of a distinct white triangle in the center of the back with two smaller spots below it is often used to distinguish this species.[3][4]On the upper abdomen, there is a lateral white band.[4]Bold jumpers are often recognized by their powerful legs that they use to jump.[3]The legs andpedipalphave white banding with fringes that are more prominent in males.[4]In females, the fourth pair of legs are typically the longest while in males the first pair of legs are the longest.[4]Thecheliceraeare iridescent green.[4]The adult males chelicerae and markings are much more striking than the females and they have tufts of hair over their eyes.[3][4]In spiderlings, markings are usually orange and turn white as the spider matures.[3]Bold jumpers may also vary in size and coloration amongst different populations.[4]

Vision

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Further information:Spider vision

Like all jumping spiders, bold jumpers have exceptional eyesight.[1]Their unique visual system is widely regarded as the best amongst all spiders and plays an important role incourtship,hunting, and observational learning.[1][12][13]Bold jumpers have four pairs of eyes arranged in a semi-circle around their head, allowing them to see nearly 360° around them.[13]The forward-facing eyes are the largest and are known as the principal eyes or the anterior median (AM) eyes.[1]Theretinaof these eyes are able to rotate, allowing them to follow a moving target.[1][14]These eyes have the greatest resolution and are able to see color.[1][14]The remaining three pairs of eyes are known as the secondary eyes.[1]The first pair of secondary eyes are the anterior lateral (AL) eyes.[1]They are responsible for detecting approaching or "looming" objects.[14]Next is the posterior median (PM) eyes and the posterior lateral (PL) eyes.[1]These eyes help detect motion from the sides and behind.[1]

Behavior

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Bold jumpers will quickly flee from animals that are too large to eat, jumping down and away or hiding in small crevices. At night they hide in a crevice or small cavity and make a silk retreat to avoid predators that hunt by touch.[15]Bold jumpers are shy spiders that retreat from humans when approached. If handled, they generally do not bite.[16]These characteristics make them appear to have a great deal of curiosity and personality.[17]Like most jumping spiders, bold jumpers hunt alone during the day.[18]

Feeding

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FeedingPhidippus audax
Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) with a cutworm (tribeNoctuini) and then lost to ants (GenusCrematogaster)

Bold jumpers are solitarycarnivores.[3]They rely on their highly specialized eyesight to actively hunt and capture live prey.[6][19]Because they rely on their eyesight, they arediurnal.[6]They are often found hunting on fence posts and plants' leaves, stems, and branches.[19][2]Bold jumpers prey on a variety ofinsectsand non-insect terrestrialarthropodssuch as caterpillars, dragonflies, grasshoppers, and other spiders.[3][6][2]As one of the most common spiders found in agricultural areas, they consume many crop pests including bollworms, boll weevils, spotted cucumber beetles, sorghum midges, fall webworms, cotton leaf worms, cotton fleahopper, tarnished plant bugs, stink bugs, lotus bugs, three-cornered alfalfa hoppers, and leafhoppers.[4][3][2]For many of these species, bold jumpers feed on both thelarvaland adult forms.[6]The size of the prey is correlated with the size of the spider.[2][6]Spiderlings feed on smaller prey than adults.[2]Feeding habits also differ by sex.[19]Females tend to spend more time feeding and consume more and larger prey than males.[3][19][20]

WhenPhidippus audaxfinds its prey, it first orients itself so its anterior median (AM) eyes are facing the prey.[1][6][19]It then stalks its prey, slowly approaching until it is within jumping distance.[19]Once close enough, it crouches and releases a silkdraglinethat will tether the spider if it falls or misses its target.[1][6][19]Next, it pounces with its legs raised.[6][19]It grasps onto its prey with its forelegs while sinking its fangs into the prey, immobilizing it with itsvenom.[3][19]Bold jumpers are able to distinguish between different types of prey and adjust their attack accordingly.[1][3][2][20]They have been observed attackingloopersfrom the front and biting their head in order to avoid being stricken by them.[2]Contrasting this, when attacking flies, they avoid attacking from the front in order to avoid alarming the fly and causing it to fly away.[2]Although bold jumpers don't buildwebsof their own, they have been observed invading the webs of other spiders to steal freshly caught insects or attack the spiders themselves.[1]Bold jumpers haveextra-oral digestionand use their fangs to suck the liquid out their prey.[19]

AdultPhidippus audax

Life cycle

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Further information:Spider behavior

About 10 days afteroviposition,spiderlings hatch within theegg-sac.[6]After hatching, they complete their firstmoltwithin the egg-sac and do not emerge for another 10-14 days.[2][21]They emerge as secondinstarsthat are free-living and capable of hunting.[4][21]After emerging, spiderlings often disperse throughballooning.[2][1]Bold jumpers continue to mature through 6-7 more instars.[6]Every instar, with the exception of the first, completes its molt within a molting web.[6]They enclose themselves in this web to shed theirexoskeleton.[6]After each molt, they emerge larger.[6]Females usually require one more instar than males and reach maturity a few weeks later.[2][21]This is likely because they are larger and need more time to develop.[2]On average, bold jumpers take about 9 months from oviposition to reach sexual maturity.[6][3]

Bold jumping spider.

In the northern part of its range, bold jumpersoverwinteras immatures.[4][22]In preparation, these spiders envelop themselves in sac-like silk shelters hidden underneath rocks and bark.[2][1][19]These shelters help conceal and protect the spider.[2][1][19]As temperatures drop, spiders enter a state of dormancy calleddiapause,during which development is halted.[4][21]Spiders emerge in the spring and complete their final molts.[4][22]They are typically ready to mate by late spring or early summer.[22]In a laboratory study, the lifespan of bold jumpers was a little over a year with females living a couple months longer than males.[6]

Reproduction

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Further information:Spider behaviorandSpider anatomy

After completing their finalmolts,bold jumpers are fully developed and ready to mate.[6][22]A male prepares for mating by constructing a small silk mat upon which he releases his sperm from his testes and then draws it into each of his twoemboli.[6]The male then begins to search for a female.[2]Females emitpheromonesin their draglines that males can detect through contact withchemoreceptorsin theirpedipalps.[1][21]This provides the male with information about the females reproductive status and aids in his search.[23]

Bold jumping spider in Ontario, Canada.

Because males mature before females, they often encounter an immature female's nest when searching for a mate.[2][1]In an attempt to increases his chances of mating, he will build a nest next to the female and wait until the female matures for an opportunity to mate.[2][1]Upon encountering a sexually mature female, he begins a courtship display.[6][2][21]In this display, he raises his front legs, then flicks his forelegs, and shakes hispedipalpswhile moving laterally in a zigzag path.[6][2][21]He occasionally pauses in a pose with his legs still raised.[21]The male continues his dance while slowly approaching the female.[21]The female often raises her front legs defensively, sometimes attacking or killing the male.[6][2][21]If she receives him, she will lower her legs and remain still, allowing him to mount her back.[6][21]Facing her posterior, he then uses his legs to repeatedly rotate her in order to insert hisemboliinto her twoepigynum,releasing his sperm.[6][21]The averagecopulationevent takes about one hour and 18 minutes but ranges anywhere from 14 minutes to two hours and 48 minutes for both northern and southern forms.[21]Males will continue to mate with multiple females but females typically only mate once per reproductive event, from which she can lay up to 6clutchesof eggs before needing to mate again.[6][22]Reproductive periods are typically in late spring and early summer with the majority of eggs being laid in June and July.[22]In warmer regions, reproduction is extended or continuous.[3][22][2]

After mating, a female bold jumper prepares a nest to deposit her eggs.[6][1]She builds these nest in hidden areas, usually under rocks, bark, and leaves.[2]She starts by first weaving a thin sheet of silk.[6]In the center of this sheet, she begins constructing the egg-sac by weaving a dense bed.[6]Next, she deposits her eggs in the center, containing anywhere from 30-170 eggs over a period of 1.5-3 hours.[3][6]After she finishes laying, she covers them creating a disk shaped egg-sac.[6][21]She then weaves a cave like webbing over the sac where she will remain duringincubationguarding the eggs and adding more silk periodically.[6][2][21]She does not eat during this time period and will not leave the nest until the second instars emerge from the egg-sac a month later.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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Bold jumping spiders are native toNorth America.[3][4][5]They are widespread throughout theUnited States,southernCanada,and northernMexico.[3][4][5]It is believed they were introduced to the arid regions of the southwestUnited States,surviving in areas where irrigation is practiced.[3]They were also introduced toHawaii,Nicobar Islands,Azores,and the Netherlands.[5]

Bold jumpers prefertemperateclimates and can be found in a variety of terrestrial habitats including grasslands,chaparrals,open woodlands, and agricultural fields[3][4][2]The bold jumper is one of the most commonly occurring spider species within its range and can be found living in close proximity to humans.[2][7]They are frequently seen in gardens, and insides homes, barns, and garages.[2]Jumping spiders require daylight to see and are thus more likely to be observed during the day.[24]At night, bold jumpers can be found sheltering in sac-like silk retreats near their hunting grounds.[19][1]They spin these retreats in concealed areas, frequently on vegetation and under stones and bark.[1][19][2]These retreats help protect the spider and are often used repeatedly.[19][2]Similar retreats are utilized in overwintering individuals.[2]Bold jumpers are one of the most abundant spiders in agricultural crops and hunt many crop pests.[4][6]In parts of its southern range, they can be found in grassy areas near water.[4]

Predators

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Species ofspider waspsandthread-waisted waspshave been observed feeding bold jumpers to their young.[2]Additionally, lizards, dragonflies, birds, and other spider species are known predators of the bold jumping spider.[3][2]At night, they hide from predators in silk retreats.[19]During the day, they will hide from predators by hiding in crevices.[3]Their secondary eyes are specialized in detecting "looming" objects and provide them a near 360° view, allowing them to quickly detect an approaching predator.[14]

Bites to humans

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Bites from bold jumping spiders are rare but may occur if they feel threatened or are mishandled.[2][7][25]Bites are often described as mildly painful and are not considered dangerous.[2][7][25]Medical attention is only advised if symptoms worsen or abnormal symptoms arise.[25]Symptoms often include localised redness, itching, and swelling for one to two days or no symptoms at all.[7][24][25]It is recommended that if bitten, victims wash the area with water and a mild soap.[25]A cold compress may be used to treat swelling andaspirinandacetaminophenmay be used for pain management.[25]

Cultural significance

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On June 11 2021,New HampshireGovernorChris Sununusigned the HB 318 bill designatingPhidippus audaxas the state spider.[26][27]The designation came after a campaign by a class inHollis, New Hampshire.[27][26]Bold jumpers are currently very abundant and one of the most common spiders in the United States.[3]As a major predator of crop pests, they have been studied to determine their impact on pest insect populations.[6]In addition to eating pests, they also eat beneficial insects such aspollinators.[3]

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  • Male
    Male
  • Iridescent chelicerae on an adult male P. audax
    Iridescent chelicerae on an adult maleP. audax
  • Phidippus audax Bryantae variation
    P. audax Bryantae variation - North Eastern US

References

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  1. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyJackson, R., & Richman, D. (1992). A review of the ethology of jumping spiders Araneae Salticidae.Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society 9.http://peckhamia.com/hosted/Richman%20Jackson%201992%20A%20review%20of%20the%20ethology%20of%20jumping%20spiders.pdf
  2. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakalamEdwards, G. B. (1980).Taxonomy, ethology, and ecology of Phidippus (Araneae: Salticidae) in eastern North America.University of Florida.
  3. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabHammond, George; Knight, Katie."Phidippus audax".Animal Diversity Web.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.
  4. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyEdwards, G.. (2004). "Revision of the Jumping Spiders of the Genus Phidippus (Araneae: Salticidae)" Occasional Papers of the Florida State Collection of Arthropods Volume 11. Collect. Arthropods. 11.https://www.fdacs.gov/ezs3download/download/25106/516022/Media/Files/Plant-Industry-Files/Edwards_2004_Revision_Phidippus.pdf
  5. ^abcdef"NMBE - World Spider Catalog".wsc.nmbe.ch.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.
  6. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahBailey, Charles L (January 28, 1969).LIFE HISTORY OF THE SPIDER, LIFE HISTORY OF PHIDIPPUS AUDAX (HENTZ), IN RELATION TO BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF GRAIN SORGHUM INSECTS(PDF)(Thesis). Oklahoma State University.
  7. ^abcdef"Phidippus audax".escholarship.org.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.
  8. ^ab"Phidippus audax (Hentz, 1845)".www.gbif.org.RetrievedNovember 13,2022.
  9. ^abcHentz, N. M. (1845). Descriptions and figures of the araneides of the United States.Boston Journal of Natural History5(2): 189-202, pl. 16-17.http://www.peckhamia.com/editions/Hentz%201832%201875%20Collected%20works%20on%20Lyssomanes%20Attus%20Epiblemum%20and%20Synemosyna%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf
  10. ^"Definition of SALTICIDAE".www.merriam-webster.com.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.
  11. ^abcdEdwards, G.B. (1994). Neotype designations for the type species of Phidippus (Araneae: Salticidae). Insecta Mundi. 8. 143-144.https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1282&context=insectamundi
  12. ^Adams, Robert (March 1, 2015)."Observational Learning in the Jumping Spider Phidippus audax".Dissertations and Theses in Biological Sciences.
  13. ^abMenda, Gil; Shamble, Paul S.; Nitzany, Eyal I.; Golden, James R.; Hoy, Ronald R. (November 3, 2014)."Visual Perception in the Brain of a Jumping Spider".Current Biology.24(21): 2580–2585.doi:10.1016/j.cub.2014.09.029.ISSN0960-9822.PMID25308077.S2CID5822364.
  14. ^abcdSpano, Lauren; Long, Skye M.; Jakob, Elizabeth M. (October 17, 2012)."Secondary eyes mediate the response to looming objects in jumping spiders (Phidippus audax, Salticidae)".Biology Letters.8(6): 949–951.doi:10.1098/rsbl.2012.0716.PMC3497142.PMID23075526.
  15. ^Hammond, George; Knight, Katie."Phidippus audax".Animal Diversity Web.RetrievedJuly 12,2023.
  16. ^"Bold Jumper Spider".extension.psu.edu.RetrievedJuly 12,2023.
  17. ^Support, Extension Web (June 28, 2017)."Jumping spider encounter?".Extension Communications.RetrievedJuly 12,2023.
  18. ^Hammond, George; Knight, Katie."Phidippus audax".Animal Diversity Web.RetrievedJuly 12,2023.
  19. ^abcdefghijklmnopGivens, Robert P. (March 1978)."Dimorphic Foraging Strategies of a Salticid Spider (Phidippus Audax)".Ecology.59(2): 309–321.doi:10.2307/1936376.ISSN0012-9658.JSTOR1936376.
  20. ^abFreed, A. N. (May 1984)."Foraging behaviour in the jumping spider Phidippus audax: bases for selectivity".Journal of Zoology.203(1): 49–61.doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1984.tb06043.x.ISSN0952-8369.
  21. ^abcdefghijklmnoTaylor, Brian B.; Peck, W. B. (1974)."A Comparison of Northern and Southern Forms of Phidippus audax (Hentz) (Araneida, Salticidae)".The Journal of Arachnology.2(2): 89–99.ISSN0161-8202.JSTOR3705244.
  22. ^abcdefgRoach, Steven H. (1988)."Reproductive Periods of Phidippus Species (Araneae, Salticidae) in South Carolina".The Journal of Arachnology.16(1): 95–101.ISSN0161-8202.JSTOR3705808.
  23. ^Gaskett, A. C. (February 20, 2007)."Spider sex pheromones: emission, reception, structures, and functions".Biological Reviews.82(1): 27–48.doi:10.1111/j.1469-185X.2006.00002.x.ISSN1464-7931.PMID17313523.S2CID42321798.
  24. ^ab"Bold Jumper Spider".Penn State Department of Entomology.RetrievedMarch 6,2020.
  25. ^abcdefWeishaupt, Jeffrey."What to Know About Jumping Spiders".WebMD.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.
  26. ^ab"Governor Chris Sununu Signs Spider Bill, 7 Other Bills Into Law".Governor Christopher T. Sununu.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.
  27. ^ab"Daring Or Bold? N.H.'s New State Spider Tends To Hide From Humans".New Hampshire Public Radio.June 14, 2021.RetrievedDecember 4,2022.

Further reading

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