Phidippus regius

Phidippus regius, commonly known as the regal jumper, is a species of jumping spider found in parts of the United States and the Caribbean. It is the largest species of jumping spider in eastern North America.

Description
Adult male P. regius measure 12 mm long on average, but can range between 6-18 mm long. The first pair of legs, which are disproportionately larger in large males, have an alternating black and white fringe. The opisthosoma is black with several white markings on the dorsum - a basal band, a central triangular spot, and two posterior oval spots. The chelicerae are large and iridescent green-blue-violet in color, with a tubercle on each.

Adult female P. regius measure 15 mm long on average, but can range between 7-22 mm long. They may exhibit white or orange markings on the opisthosoma similar to the white markings seen in males, but the rest of the body is largely covered with scales which may be brown, orange, tan, gray, or a combination of those colors. The chelicerae are iridescent green or red-violet in color, but lack the tubercles found on the chelicerae of males. Females have several tufts of setae around the eyes that males lack.

In southern populations, juvenile females may develop scales as early as the third instar, while males are black and white throughout their life cycle.

Habitat


P. regius is most commonly found in relatively open areas, such as fields and light woodland, with adults usually preferring trees or the walls of buildings as hunting grounds. They build silken nests at night in which to sleep, often in palm fronds or similar areas. Females of the species lay their eggs under the bark of trees, or in secluded spots in wooden structures such as barns.

Distribution
P. regius occurs in the southeastern United States, Bahamas, Bermuda, Greater Antilles, and has been introduced to Easter Island. In the United States, it occurs throughout the Southeast from South Mississippi through North Carolina and South Carolina (most abundant in Florida).