Observations on Three Species of Phidippus Jumping Spiders(Araneae: Salticidae)

The large, brightly colored jumping spiders of the genus. Phidippus are among the most cons.pica.ous American spiders,. In many ways, they are ideal subjects for behavioral studies." she spiders are. diurnal in habit and are highly responsive to visual stimuli, they pursue’ prey actively and the males perform elaborate courtship displays. The present paper compares the behavior and the taxonomy of t’hree Phidippus species that are f.ound in the same qelds in t.he vicinity o Reno, Nevada. The behavioral description emphasizes Phidippus coccineus, as this species is being used in the laboratory for experiments, which continue a previous line of invest’igation on hunting responses (Gardner, 1964). The other two species .of Phidippus, P. apache’anus and P. opifex, were collected and. maintained in the laborato,ry for comparative obs:ervations. The diagnostic features for .the. three species, have. been illustrated (Figs. I-IO) since there are. few records other than the original description of each species. A modern taxonomic revision of the genus would be of considerable value in helping research workers determine specimens and in stimulating comparative, studies.. HABITAT