Sexing Salticidae?: Jumping Spiders

[insect714]

I have been looking for info on sexing Jumpers is there anyone out there that can lent some assistance???? I currently have 7 Jumpers and am trying to figure out the sexes.... Thanks in advance for any help that anyine can offer....

 

[padkison]

I think you need to look for the modified pedipalps and relatively small abdomen for a male. See the below link of a mating pair.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/31820

I am wondering the same thing having captured a pair of Phidipus audux. They are so small, it is hard to see what's what. The first one we captured molted once. I don't know if either one is mature. I think I will email the photographer of the above link as he states that he breeds these.

 

[insect714]

thanks for the help Padkison...I am really glad that I am not the only with this struggle...If I am able to figure out any more I will be sure to let you know....

 

[Brian S]

Often the males are more colorful than females and not as robust.

 

[Malhavoc's]

Modified palps, smaller in size (typicaly) more colourful and again (typicaly) larger for legs used to signal the female and identify that he is not food. basickly to wave jump and scream like we do when the right gurl walks by

I used to breed them, their not that hard, and can be kept communaly (most species) and again in most specie, The male is noticbly smaller, and if you watch their interactions the female just freezes and the male will jerk wave bob etc. but only when mature otherwise they..well..SCATTER. lol.

 

[insect714]

Thanks so much for all of the responces..Ihave kept them for a while just not tried to breed them and figured that it was about time to give it a try....thanks again for all of the info...