Phidippus clarus
This record describes Phidippus clarus (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male/Female Palp Epigynum (ventral/dorsal) The female constructs a conspicuous white retreat and egg case near the tops of plants
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
- Genus
- Phidippus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Old fields, prairies, ag crops, and other low herbaceous vegetation
Geographic Range
Common across southern Canada and most of US except the desert SW
Seasonal Activity
Males: summer; Females: summer and autumn
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Keyserling, 1885 Latin: "clear, bright"
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Phidippus clarus. 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 Phidippus clarus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cheins , Chuck Entz , Dick Walton , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Phidippus clarus
What is Phidippus clarus?
Phidippus clarus is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Phidippus clarus?
Male/Female Palp Epigynum (ventral/dorsal)
Where is Phidippus clarus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Old fields, prairies, ag crops, and other low herbaceous vegetation |
| Range | Common across southern Canada and most of US except the desert SW |
When is Phidippus clarus active?
Phidippus clarus: seasonal activity - Males: summer; Females: summer and autumn.