Phidippus arizonensis (Peckham & Peckham, 1883) - Jumping Spider

The Peckhams gave the original description for this species under the name Attus arizonensis. That this salticid has never been found in Arizona is just one oddity of several pertaining to this unusual looking jumping spider. The male's swollen cephalothorax (the "cheeks" buldge outward) and his unique bright golden leg fringes make him one of the more dazzling "lookers" in a genus with numerous large, striking jumping spiders. The female is a marvel as well - and in my experience much less likely to head for cover in the presence of curious naturalists. While my observations of this species are limited the Phidippus arizonensis I have seen spent a good deal of time in trees well above the shrub layer.
Edwards, 2004