Zygoballus sexpunctatus
This record describes Zygoballus sexpunctatus (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palp Epigynum Both males and females typically have a thin band of white scales along the lower edge of the carapace on the sides, unlike Z. rufipes . Males have a black carapace and a spot of white scales at beginning of thoracic slope (where the top of the carapace begins to slope down to the abdomen), although it is sometimes rubbed off. Males have darker legs than Z. rufipes . Females have almost uniformly brown or honey-colored legs with few scales, while females of Z. rufipes and Z. nervosus have more annulated legs with more scale coverage.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
- Genus
- Zygoballus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in grass and shrubs.
Geographic Range
This species is mostly found in the Southeastern states. Its range extends west to Texas and Oklahoma, north to New York and Massachusetts, and south to Florida.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Zygoballus sexpunctatus. 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 Zygoballus sexpunctatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jay Barnes; Additional contributions by cheins , Dick Walton , dragonfly12 , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Zygoballus sexpunctatus
What is Zygoballus sexpunctatus?
Zygoballus sexpunctatus is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Zygoballus sexpunctatus?
Palp Epigynum Both males and females typically have a thin band of white scales along the lower edge of the carapace on the sides, unlike Z. rufipes . Males have a black carapace and a spot of white scales at beginning of thoracic slope (where the top of the carapace begins to slope down to the abdomen), although it is sometimes rubbed off. Males have darker legs than Z. rufipes . Females have almost uniformly brown or honey-colored legs with few scales, while females of Z. rufipes and Z. nervosus have more annulated legs with more scale coverage.
Where is Zygoballus sexpunctatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually found in grass and shrubs. |
| Range | This species is mostly found in the Southeastern states. Its range extends west to Texas and Oklahoma, north to New York and Massachusetts, and south to Florida. |