Naphrys pulex
| Flea jumping spider | |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Male | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Salticidae |
| Genus: | Naphrys |
| Species: | N. pulex
|
| Binomial name | |
| Naphrys pulex | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Naphrys pulex is a species of spider from the family Salticidae that is native to Canada and the United States.[1]
Taxonomy
The species was first described as Attus pulex by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz in 1846. It was later placed in a number of other genera, including Habrocestum, until a review of that genus in 1981 placed in in Naphrys.[1][2]
Description
Males have a total length of around 4 mm (0.2 in) of which the carapace makes up about 2 mm (0.08 in). The fourth leg is longest, followed by the third, first and second. The general coloration is described as "cryptic". There is a yellowish bar-shaped mark on the abdomen. The legs have spots and rings. Females are longer than males, with a total length of 4.6 to 6.1 mm (0.18 to 0.24 in), with a carapace 2.0 to 2.4 mm (0.08 to 0.09 in) long. Females have a similar coloration to males, but less distinct. The larger size and the shape of the male palpal bulb distinguish this species from others, such as Naphrys acerba.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Naphrys pulex is native to Canada and the United States,[1] where it is found mainly in the east. It has been observed on walls, grass and litter, on the ground, and on tree trunks.[2]
Ecology
Naphrys pulex feeds mainly on ants.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Naphrys pulex (Hentz, 1846)". World Spider Catalog. Natural History Museum Bern. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
- ^ a b c Richman, D. B. (1981). "A revision of the genus Habrocestum (Araneae, Salticidae) in North America" (PDF). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 170: 197–206. Retrieved 2026-03-20.
- ^ Hill, David E.; Richman, David B. (2009). "The evolution of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae): a review". Peckhamia. 75.1: 1–7. Retrieved 2026-03-20.