Redback jumping spider
Introduction
Redback Jumping spiders (Phiddippus johnsoni) are common in California. It is one of the most often encountered jumping spiders in North America.
Many people believe that the redback jumping spider is particular dangerous to humans due to its red back which is definitely not the case. The name Johnson Jumper has been suggested as an alternative and as it is a jumping spider this name is probably less confusing.
Habitat
Red back jumping spiders prefer to stay in their tubular silky nests beneath debris, woods or anywhere undisturbed on the ground. Since the redback jumping spider is a sight hunter it stays in its nest during nights and when the conditions for seeing prey are poor.
Diet
They eat prey almost up to their own size. The average size of their prey is however about half their own size. They feed on a number of different invertebrates such as caterpillars, moths and flies. They also eat spiders, most in the form of the larger females eating males.
Appearance
Jumping spiders are hairy and grow to approximately three quarters of an inch in length. The size of individual spiders shows great variability. The back of a Johnson spider is distinctly red, with a black strip if it is a female. The rest of the body is usually entirely black.
Bites
The bite from a redback jumping spider isn't fatal. The bite results in swelling and pain at the bite site. The pain and swelling usually lasts for several days. Some people experience other symptoms as well from a red back jumping spider bite. The spider belongs to the Salticidae family.
The jumping spiders is not considered as dangerous as many other spiders since its venom is not as toxic as for instance the venom of black widows. Bacterial infections around the site of a wound should however be avoided at all costs.
Life Cycle
Before mating the male walks toward the female, then backing away. He performs a kind of zigzag dance and some males are reported to produce a sound by twitching their abdomens while dancing. Sometimes the male is killed after mating. This behavior is referred to as sexual cannibalism.
A typical sight hunter
Phidippus johnsoni is a typical sight hunter - both when it comes to prey and mating.
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