How common are Phidippus johnsoni in California?

[Ratmosphere]

How common is this species in California? Easily found? I'm spending 8 days in the LA area at the end of May into June, was hoping to collect a few.

 

[chanda]

They are probably the most common species that I find out here in the Inland Empire while hiking in the hills/chaparral. (Redlands/Yucaipa/Moreno Valley/Riverside area, so just a bit east of LA)

That said, it's not like they're just popping out of the woodwork. I don't find them terribly frequently - but when I do find jumping spiders, the johnsoni are the most common ones that I find.

 

[NYAN]

I rarely see them. I rarely see any Phidippus now-a-days..

 

[gerryfkno]

Used to see them all the time when I lived in Ventura which is a 1-2 hour drive north of LA.

They would be on the block walls and fences between the houses and seemed especially fond of wooden fences.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Oh dang! Thanks for the help guys. I'm def going to keep an eye out for them.

 

[JohnsoniPhidman]

I typicaly find them under rocks in open fields or on walls and fence post i breed johnsoni theu are my absolute favorite

 

[gerryfkno]

Good luck. Growing up they were my favorite species to catch because they're such voracious predators. They would always accept prey right after being captured.

Although I have no idea how well they do in captivity long term since I'd only keep them for 1-3days

 

[Ratmosphere]

Day 4 of being in the Culver City area and having no luck. No widows, no jumpers. Pretty disappointing!

Gonna just have to keep my eyes peeled.

 

[gerryfkno]

Wow I'm surprised since last time i was out there I saw a ton of widows. Are you staying at a hotel or other place that might do periodic spraying/treatments?

 

[Ratmosphere]

No, Airbnb. Found one Phidippus audax yesterday morning though! Only two more days here and still keepin an eye out.