Zebra spider

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zebra spider

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Family:	Salticidae
Genus:	Salticus
Species:	S. scenicus

Binomial name

Salticus scenicus
(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.

The zebra spider gets its name from the black and cream colored stripes on its abdomen, which is covered with filiform hairs that give it a "fuzzy" appearance. Most specimens are usually about half a centimeter in length, and they stand low to the ground due to its short but strong legs. Its pedipalps are large, white, and furry. Its locomotion is mainly a skipping action that allows it to cover relatively long distances quickly. When it spies prey, it creeps slowly, stops, then springs for the catch. The male also has an active courtship dance, possibly as a means to communicate to the female that he is not prey. The spider's vision is excellent and it will react if it sees a human, cat, or other threat poking at it.

This species is fond of sharing houses with humans, where environmental conditions are constant and insect prey is in abundance. It also lives outdoors and can be seen sunning itself on fences and rocks. While it does not build webs, the zebra spider often uses its silk to build a nest in a safe corner, and as a security line when it traverses vertical surfaces.