Talavera aequipes
This record describes Talavera aequipes (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Talavera aequipes is a small jumping spider. There are very similar species, but this species is the most frequent of these spiders in our area. Identification of this species Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. This little spider is found in warm, open, sunny habitats with bare surfaces, such as short turf on downs, sandy or stony banks, and quarries or old railway embankments. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July. It is small enough to reside comfortably in snail shells of down to 5 mm length during winter, where they also lay their eggs. The species is widely distributed in Britain but with only a few scattered records in the west and north. It is generally local and rather uncommon, but is more frequent in southern counties. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Salticidae
- Genus
- Talavera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This little spider is found in warm, open, sunny habitats with bare surfaces, such as short turf on downs, sandy or stony banks, and quarries or old railway embankments.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is small enough to reside comfortably in snail shells of down to 5 mm length during winter, where they also lay their eggs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widely distributed in Britain but with only a few scattered records in the west and north. It is generally local and rather uncommon, but is more frequent in southern counties.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Talavera aequipes. 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 Talavera aequipes (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Talavera aequipes
What is Talavera aequipes?
Talavera aequipes is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Talavera aequipes found?
Habitat: This little spider is found in warm, open, sunny habitats with bare surfaces, such as short turf on downs, sandy or stony banks, and quarries or old railway embankments.
When is Talavera aequipes active?
Talavera aequipes: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Talavera aequipes?
It is small enough to reside comfortably in snail shells of down to 5 mm length during winter, where they also lay their eggs.