SALTICUS
SALTICUS Salticus (from Latin “ saltus ” = jump or leap) is a genus of the family Salticidae, a group of jumping spiders. Coloration of this species is determined by various scales of modified setae covering a brown or black integument. Narrow scales or hairs may be black or red or rust coloured while broad scales are either iridescent (often magenta or green) or opaque granular white or yellow. Several species have a dorsal pattern of black narrow scales and white granular scales arranged in transverse stripes, especially on the abdomen, from which the common name “Zebra Spiders” originated. Most Salticidae prefer open sunny habitats. They are often found on vertical surfaces including man-made structures such as walls and fences or on natural elements, such as tree trunks. They are also found near water where they feast on emergent aquatic gnats and other insects. Salticus species have been observed preying on insects that are several times of their body size. This genus has ...