Volume 47, Number 1,
February 2001:
Checklist of Kansas Jumping Spiders

Text-only version

ISSUE HOME PAGE

ABOUT THIS ISSUE
- about KSN
- about the authors

IN THIS ISSUE
- introduction
- life cycle
- annotated list of Kansas jumping spiders
- salticid spider bite
- mimicry
- enemies: predators and parasites
- care and maintenance of jumping spiders in the lab
- references

SLIDESHOW
View all images in this issue.

Checklist of Kansas Jumping Spiders
by Hank Guarisco, Bruce Cutler, and Kenneth E. Kinman

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF JUMPING SPIDERS IN THE LAB
Some of the larger species of salticids, especially members of the genus Phidippus, can be easily maintained in the laboratory or classroom. They make ideal subjects for behavioral studies including feeding, courtship, learning and agonistic behaviors (24). Jumping spiders are generally active during the day, although several species have been observed hunting insects in the vicinity of porch lights at night. A common species found throughout Kansas (P. audax) quickly learned to avoid distasteful prey, such as the milkweed bug (Oncopeltis fasciatus).

Since they are highly predaceous, each spider must be maintained in a separate container. Petri dishes of various sizes make ideal enclosures since they are easily cleaned, provide adequate air circulation and easy viewing, and don't require a lot of space. Maintaining the proper humidity and discouraging the growth of mold are the two most important aspects of captive care. Proper humidity needed for successful molting and drinking water (spiders do actively drink) may be easily provided by putting a small piece of wet sponge in the container. Be sure to use only sponges that have not been impregnated with soap or detergent. Do not use paper towels, since they will become moldy in one or two days.

During warm weather, a variety of insect prey may be obtained by using a sweep net in open fields and prairies. Although a spider may occasionally feed upon a recently dead insect, live prey should be provided every few days. Laboratory colonies of fruit flies, small mealworms, and meal moths are ideal food items, especially during the winter months. Uneaten prey items should be removed within an hour after introduction, or sooner if the spider actively avoids its intended prey. Prey remains should be removed within a day to avoid the growth of mold. Small jumping spiders and newly hatched spiderlings will often refuse to feed in the laboratory, and are often more difficult to maintain.

To maintain proper sanitation, clean petri dishes should be provided after one or two weeks. Petri dishes which contain mold should be changed immediately. They may be washed with water or water and a standard disinfectant, such as bleach. Be sure to thoroughly rinse petri dishes before use. Jumping spiders can be maintained at ordinary room temperature. Although in the wild they are often active in sunny places on very hot days, do not keep petri dishes near windows with direct sunlight since spiders are likely to overheat and die.

Spiders grow by periodically shedding their hard exoskeletons. Once adulthood is reached, most spiders, including salticids, no longer molt. A spider usually refuses to feed a few days before molting and remains inside its thickly woven, resting sac. After shedding the old skin, at least one day is required to sufficiently harden the new cuticle before normal activity may be resumed.