Zebra spider

Taxobox
name = zebra spider

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image_width = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Arachnida
ordo = Araneae
familia = Salticidae
genus = "Salticus"
species = "S. scenicus"
binomial = "Salticus scenicus"
binomial_authority = (Clerck, 1757)

The zebra spider ("Salticus scenicus") is a common household jumping spider. Like other jumping spiders, it does not build a web. It uses its four pairs of large eyes to locate prey and its jumping ability to pounce and capture it. Zebra spiders are often noted for their 'curiosity' when observed by humans; many seem aware of their audience and seem to respond to observation by raising their heads and studying the observer.

Physical Description

Female zebra spiders are 5-7mm long and males are 5-6mm. The most distinctive feature of these spiders is their two very large eyes. Although they have eight eyes, the two at the front are the largest and give them excellent binocular vision. These tiny spiders are black with white hairs that form stripes.

Distribution

Zebra spiders are widespread across Britain and Europe and are found throughout the world. They often live close to or in human settlements.

Habitat

They can be found on walls, plants and fences on sunny days; and also indoors on window sills, often in the corner behind curtains.

Diet

Zebra spiders tend to hunt insects or spiders of roughly their own size or smaller. They have been observed feeding on mosquitoes that are almost twice their length.

Behaviour

These spiders use their large front eyes to locate and stalk their prey. They move slowly towards their prey until they are close enough to pounce on top of their victim, and their hunting behaviour has been described as cat-like. Using their acute eyesight, they are able to accurately judge the distances they need to jump. Before jumping they glue a silk thread to the surface that they are jumping from so that if miss the target they can climb up the thread and try again. They ignore unappetising insects such as ants.

Reproduction

When these spiders meet, the male carries out a courtship dance involving waving his front legs and moving his abdomen up and down. The better the dance the more likely the female will want to mate, although arachnologists have yet to discover what it is the female looks for in a mating dance. Despite their good eyesight, males will sometimes accidentally perform a mating dance in front of another male. When this happens the two males usually fight.

Females will stay with their egg sacs and will guard the young after they hatch. After the spiderlings have had their second moult they will leave the mother to fend for themselves.

Conservation status

Zebra spiders are not protected by law in the UK.

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