Phidippus

For the suitor of Helen, see Phidippus (mythology).
Not to be confused with Phodopus.

Phidippus is a genus in the family Salticidae (jumping spiders). Some of the largest jumping spiders inhabit this genus, and many species are characterized by their brilliant, iridescent green chelicerae. Phidippus is distributed almost exclusively in North America, with the exception of two exported species (Phidippus audax and Phidippus regius).[1] As of 2004, there are 60 valid described species in the genus. Species previously described in Phidippus which are found in India and Bangladesh do not belong in this genus.[1]

Name

The genus name is likely derived from Cicero's speech Pro Rege Deiotaro (Speech in Behalf of King Deiotarus): Phidippus was a slave who was physician to King Deiotaros.[2] Literally, the words means "one who spares horses" in Ancient Greek.[3]

Accepted species

The genus Phidippus consists of the following 60 species:[4]

Misplaced species

In addition to the species above, several species have been misplaced in the genus (according to Edward's revision) but have yet to be transferred to other genera.[1] These include:

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 3 Edwards, G. B. (2004). pp. vii, 4–6.
  2. Cicero (45 BCE). "Pro Rege Deiotaro".
  3. Ubick et al. 2005
  4. Edwards, G. B. (2004). p. vii.

References

See also

External links

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