Cytaea dispalans is a species within the genus Cytaea, which is part of the family Salticidae, commonly known as jumping spiders. This family is renowned for its excellent vision, agility, and diverse hunting behaviors. Cytaea dispalans, like other jumping spiders, is likely small to medium in size and possesses the characteristic excellent vision of its family, with two large anterior median eyes that allow for precise depth perception and hunting by vision. Jumping spiders are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, which can play roles in camouflage, warning, and mating displays.
Striped Jumping Spiders
Cytaea dispalans
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Arachnida
ORDER
:
Araneae
FAMILY
:
Salticidae
GENUS
:
Cytaea
SPECIES
:
Cytaea dispalans
Other Information
Venomous?
As with all jumping spiders, Cytaea dispalans is venomous, utilizing its venom to immobilize prey. However, the venom of jumping spiders is generally not harmful to humans, usually causing no more than minor symptoms such as localized pain or swelling if a bite occurs.
A Danger to Humans?
Cytaea dispalans poses minimal danger to humans. These spiders are not aggressive towards humans and tend to bite only if provoked or if they feel threatened. Bites are rare and not considered medically significant.
Population Status
Specific data on the population size of Cytaea dispalans is not widely available. Jumping spiders, in general, tend to have healthy populations in suitable habitats, suggesting potentially stable populations where environmental conditions are favorable.
Striped Jumping Spiders (Cytaea dispalans), Photo by David Lowenthal
Life Span:
The lifespan of jumping spiders can vary but generally spans about 1-2 years, encompassing several stages from egg to adult.
Weight and Length:
Jumping spiders are generally small, with many species reaching body lengths of about 3 to 15 mm. Specific weight data is rarely noted due to their small size.
Distribution:
The distribution of Cytaea dispalans may be specific to certain regions, as jumping spiders have a wide range of habitats. They can be found in forests, grasslands, mountainous areas, and even within human dwellings or gardens, depending on the species.
Striped Jumping Spiders (Cytaea dispalans), Photo by David Lowenthal
Habits and Lifestyle:
Cytaea dispalans, like other jumping spiders, is diurnal and relies on its vision to hunt during the day. They do not spin webs to catch prey but rather use their jumping ability to ambush or chase down insects. They may use silk for safety lines when jumping and for creating shelters or egg sacs.
Diet and Nutrition:
Their diet consists primarily of small insects and possibly nectar, a dietary habit observed in some jumping spider species. They are active hunters, relying on their vision to spot prey and their agility to capture it.
Mating Habits:
Mating behavior in jumping spiders involves complex visual displays, where males perform dances and exhibit their colorful patterns to attract females. The success of these courtship rituals is crucial for mating.