Jumping Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)


** FIELD IDENTIFICATION TAB UNDER CONSTRUCTION**

These online videos show jumping spiders in their natural habitats. Worldwide the salticids comprise the largest spider family with approximately 300 species represented in North America north of Mexico. Superior eyesight, an active lifestyle, and diverse forms and behaviors are hallmarks of this group. Many species of jumping spiders are brightly colored and yes, truly beautiful. I'm hopeful this project will encourage other naturalists to discover the extraordinary world of salticids.

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Jumping Spiders (Salticidae) of Massachusetts - Field Identification

Species determination using microscopic examination is the method of choice for treating research and archival material. However, jumping spider identifications in the field, in the hand, or as high quality, close-up images based on larger anatomical features can be judged on their own merits. Arachnologists have traditionally included macro elements in their written descriptions and habitus figures in their illustrations and these characteristics along with other observable markings provide a basis for salticid field identification. This working draft describes and illustrates macroscopic species' characteristics that may be useful for "field identification" of Massachusetts' jumping spiders.

Included below is a section on field identification in general followed by sections treating genera that include species of jumping spiders known to occur in Massachusetts. In addition, the individual species pages (accessed by links from the "Alphabetical Index" tab) will include an "Identification" tab when applicable. Revisions and additions are ongoing; comments and/or contributions are welcome. Dick Walton - June 2013.

Major Content Sections

  • Alphabetical Index
    • - Jumping Spiders - An Introduction For Naturalists: jumping spiders as a group and the characteristics that distinguish them from other spiders
    • - Jumping Spiders Classification and Evolution: An outline of salticid classification and short sketch of their phylogeny and biogeography
    • - Species Videos: species video (.mp4 files - 960x540) with ambient audio
    • - Miscellaneous Notes: text narrative variously covering biology, behavior, field identification, taxonomy, phylogeny, etymology and/or philosophy
    • - References & Sources: information pertinent to species (see also, main references section)
    • - Video Details: genders, ages and/or behaviors of spiders shown; location where video was shot; habitat and location images displayed on mouse over
    • - Field Identification: field identification characteristics of Massachusetts jumping spiders (a work in progress)

  • Field Identification Tab

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  • Jumping Spider Info Link
    • - Acknowledgments
    • - Species Data: species, video clip details, date acquired, state & county, location code
    • - Location & Key: state, county, town, location code key, area name, latitude & longitude
    • - References: print & online
    • - Usage: details of permissions/costs for using or acquiring videos shown here