Naphrys pulex
This record describes Naphrys pulex (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Palp
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
- Genus
- Naphrys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodlands as well as rocky habitats.
Geographic Range
1eastern United States & southeastern Canada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (Hentz, 1846) pulex is Latin for "flea"
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Naphrys pulex. 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 Naphrys pulex (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Jeff Hollenbeck , cheins , Chuck Entz , Dick Walton , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Naphrys pulex
How big is Naphrys pulex?
Body length is 5.5mm or less (this is the largest species of the four North American Naphrys )
How do you identify Naphrys pulex?
Palp
Where is Naphrys pulex found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Woodlands as well as rocky habitats. |
| Range | 1eastern United States & southeastern Canada |