User:Drussey/Anasaitis canosa

Anasaitis canosa, previously of genus Corythalia, is more commonly known as the twin-flagged jumping spider due to the two pennant shaped markings on the dorsal side of the abdomen. Typical of the genus Anasaitis, this species has iridescent setae ("scales") which may appear white, green or pink which create the "flags" as well as patches on the male pedipalps used in courtship and intraspecific signaling. This species ranges from Mexico to South Carolina along the Gulf of Mexico and can typically be found atop leaf-litter or man-made structures such as fences and exterior walls.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males typically have a slender abdomen, darker anterior appendages and the embolus is spade shaped and bent basally. Females have much larger abdomens, more uniform coloration among the legs and pedipalps are blunt ended.

Hunting Behavior
This species exhibits an instinctive hunting method for catching ants. The spider will align its abdomen and thorax so that it directly faces the ant. The spider will then strafe in an arc until the ant is facing the spider. The spider then leaps and punctures the ant on the dorsal side of the head or thorax. In this position, the dangerous mandibles and stinger are incapable of inflicting damage. When stalking prey such as flies or beetles which pose less of a threat, this salticid is much more direct in its approach pouncing from any direction.

Other links
D. E. Hill's courtship and mating behavior of Anasaitis canosa - excellent video courtship and mating behavior