Phidippus whitmani
This record describes Phidippus whitmani (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male/Female There appears to be a melanistic version in the southern parts of its range.
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
Newfoundland west to North Dakota and south to Florida and Texas
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Professor C. O. Whitman of the University of Chicago (Peckham and Peckham, 1909).
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Phidippus whitmani. 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 whitmani (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cotinis , cheins , Dick Walton
Frequently Asked Questions About Phidippus whitmani
What is Phidippus whitmani?
Phidippus whitmani is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Phidippus whitmani?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 8.5 mm |
| Female | 9-11 mm (Peckham & Peckham, 1909) |
How do you identify Phidippus whitmani?
Male/Female There appears to be a melanistic version in the southern parts of its range.
Where is Phidippus whitmani found?
Range: Newfoundland west to North Dakota and south to Florida and Texas