Phidippus nikites
This record describes Phidippus nikites (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male/Female Palp This species is closely related to Phidippus apacheanus and looks very similar. However, according to Edwards 2004 , unlike P. apacheanus , which stays the same color throughout its life cycle (usually red, sometimes yellow), P. nikites changes colors at various instars (yellow→orange→red or yellow).
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
Geographic Range
Idaho and Oregon south to California and Nevada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Phidippus nikites. 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 nikites (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Phidippus nikites
What is Phidippus nikites?
Phidippus nikites is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Phidippus nikites?
Body length (excluding legs) of adult male ranges from 8-12mm; adult female 9-13mm.
How do you identify Phidippus nikites?
Male/Female Palp This species is closely related to Phidippus apacheanus and looks very similar. However, according to Edwards 2004 , unlike P. apacheanus , which stays the same color throughout its life cycle (usually red, sometimes yellow), P. nikites changes colors at various instars (yellow→orange→red or yellow).
Where is Phidippus nikites found?
Range: Idaho and Oregon south to California and Nevada