Colonus hesperus
This record describes Colonus hesperus (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Unlike the other two species, Colonus hesperus does not have the two longitudinal white stripes on the abdomen. Instead, the abdomen is yellowish with scattered black setae and numerous black dots. Epigynum: Palp:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
- Genus
- Colonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is often associated with trees and is presumably arboreal.
Geographic Range
Calif. to New Mexico , WA-CA-TX (Brazos R.) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Mature specimens have been collected throughout the year with a peak abundance in April-May.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Colonus hesperus (Richman & Vetter)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Colonus hesperus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Colonus hesperus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jay Barnes; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , cheins , Mike Quinn , Dick Walton , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Colonus hesperus
What is Colonus hesperus?
Colonus hesperus is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Colonus hesperus?
Body length 7 mm or less.
How do you identify Colonus hesperus?
Unlike the other two species, Colonus hesperus does not have the two longitudinal white stripes on the abdomen. Instead, the abdomen is yellowish with scattered black setae and numerous black dots. Epigynum: Palp:
Where is Colonus hesperus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species is often associated with trees and is presumably arboreal. |
| Range | Calif. to New Mexico , WA-CA-TX (Brazos R.) - Map |
When is Colonus hesperus active?
Colonus hesperus: seasonal activity - Mature specimens have been collected throughout the year with a peak abundance in April-May..