ID please, Jumping Spider, France

[shieldbug]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could tell me genus or species of this jumping spider, which I found on the balcony in SE France. I have quite a few tiny jumping spiders in the house but this type is bigger than the regular one. It has very prominent middle legs which are thicker and red. Must have been about 0.3 cm across. Thanks for any help.

 

[JohnDapiaoen]

Very nice spider! that appears to be a male Saitis barbipes cool find!

-JohnD.

 

[Smokehound714]

Whoa that's crazy. I'm used to north american salticids having the thick hairs on their first pair of legs, not the third.


Beautiful spider, nice shots!

 

[stewstew8282]

very nice pics...

 

[shieldbug]

Thanks everyone. Pics didn't come out too bad considering they were through cellophane and handheld. But focussing was very difficult so in the end I just took a vid and these are some in-focus stills from that. I let him go after fifteen mins - wasn't sure how long he could survive in a container. But if I were to keep one for a bit longer, to get some better pics (maybe with a female), what would I need to put in his enclosure? Would any small insects - eg ants, flies, silverfish - be OK for food - what about water, does he need any? Thanks.

 

[JohnDapiaoen]

wasn't sure how long he could survive in a container. But if I were to keep one for a bit longer, to get some better pics (maybe with a female), what would I need to put in his enclosure? Would any small insects - eg ants, flies, silverfish - be OK for food - what about water, does he need any? Thanks.

Because he is a mature male he wouldn't last very long anyway, letting him go so he can have the opportunity to pass on his genes would have been best for him. If you plan to keep one then yes a female would be a better choice, though they aren't as stunning as the males they will last longer. Place climbing objects in its enclosure i.e sticks & fake plants. Feeding should primarily consist of flying insects though silverfish should be ok too but ants I would advise against because of the stingers and powerful mandibles as for water just spray the side of it's enclosure once or twice a week.

 

[shieldbug]

Many thanks John! Can't seem to find any more of the small ones (which I now think must have been females) at the moment - but when I do I'll follow your advice and if I get some pics will post here.