Carrhotus xanthogramma is an intelligent species of jumping spider that belongs to the family Salticidae. Right from the get-go, this beautiful jumping spider has so much going for it. From its very hairy body to its exceptional eyesight and bright colors, it’s easy to identify the Carrhotus xanthogramma when you spot one.
Sure, we have come across a lot of colorful jumping spiders, but guess what? Carrhotus xanthogramma sports a unique coloration that will thrill any spider lover. But don’t just take our words for it; stay with us to get more details about this gorgeous jumping spider with a lot of unique characteristics.
What is their scientific name?
Our spider friends may not have the cutest of names. Plus, they don’t have a general name they go by. Instead, they are commonly referred to as the Carrhotus xanthogramma, a scientific name that was coined because they belong to the genus Carrhotus.
That said, their scientific name isn’t all that makes this species of jumping spider unique. From their impeccable jumping skills to their hunting skills and ability to fend for themselves in the wild, our spider friends have a lot you may want to learn about them. Stick around, and we will take you through all of that in a bit.
Where does the Carrhotus Xanthogramma come from?
From the series of research we have conducted during the course of writing this post, we have come to learn that our furry friends can thrive in almost all environments. And because you can find them on practically all continents, it’s hard to state exactly where they are from.
That said, the Carrhotus xanthogramma jumping spider has a Palearctic distribution. This explains why they are commonly sighted in European countries like Portugal, the UK, Spain, Ireland, France, Italy, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, and others.
In Asia, where they seem to be growing in number, our fuzzy friends have been sighted in countries like China, Japan, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.
And before we forget to mention, the Carrhotus has also been spotted in tropical regions of Africa.
Physical description and size
Because of how breathtaking and complicated they look, it’s almost impossible to give their description spot on, but we will try to give you a glimpse of what the Carrhotus xanthogramma jumping spider looks like.
To start with, the adult male of the Carrhotus jumping spider measures approximately 5.1 to 7.1 mm in length. On the other hand, adult females are slightly bigger and measure between 7.1 to 9.0 mm.
Another distinguishing characteristic of this jumping spider is that it is covered with dense hair. Plus, their sexual dimorphism is extremely pronounced. While the males are a little smaller than their female counterparts, they sport a black and bright cephalothorax. Also, they have a tapered, flattened, hairy, and reddish-orange abdomen.
The space between their cephalothorax and abdomen is well marked. Although they may not have the longest legs in the spider kingdom, we would love to add that their black legs may sport slightly orange rings.
Even though the female’s body appears mostly brownish, you may sometimes sport distinct dark brown markings all over their body. Just on their head, you’ll notice yellowish areas that feature an acuate bandage that extend from side to side.
Like their male counterparts, females have an oval-shaped abdomen that is slightly tapered. More so, their legs are light-dark annulated. With eight eyes, including very large anterior median eyes, it’s easy to see why they have one of the best visions in the spider world.
Habitat and distribution
The Carrhotus xanthogramma jumping spider has been described as thermophilic. This means it prefers to stay in sunny and warm environments. And if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of our spider friend, you’ll most likely find it in bushes, shrubbery, and on tree trunks.
What do they eat?
Except for a few exceptions, most jumping spiders can fend for themselves, and that’s because they are excellent hunters. Our spider friends will feast on small and large insects, including flies, mosquitoes, crickets, little grasshoppers, and more in the wild.
On a starving day, the Carrhotus xanthogramma can feast on small web-building spiders. But when bred in captivity, our spider friends can no longer hunt for themselves. As such, you have to make sure you provide feeder insects so they don’t starve to death.
What is their temperament?
Even though jumping spiders appear scary, we are happy to let you know that our spider friends are harmless, especially when they encounter humans. While jumping spider species as the Carrhotus xanthogramma can bite, they rarely do so, except when they feel threatened.
Because of their friendly nature and bright colors, many exotic pet lovers are looking to keep them as pets.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans?
Jumping spiders are anything but dangerous. And even though their venom is lethal against prey, they will not cause any harm to humans. Should you ever get stung by a jumping spider, you’ll only experience slight irritations and mild pain that fizzles away after a couple of days.
Frequently asked questions: Learn more about Carrhotus xanthogramma.
What is their biology?
This species’ adult male is mostly found in spring and summer, especially from April to July. And because they are active hunters, our spider friends will actively seek their prey and pounce on them. Their excellent eyesight is beneficial when it comes to hunting and surviving in the wild.
How big can they grow?
Although they may not be the biggest jumping spiders in the spider world, they aren’t doing too badly in this regard. And just so you know, males are slightly smaller than their female counterparts. While males measure between 5.1 to 7.1 mm, females are 7.1 to 9 mm long.
What is their lifespan?
Jumping spiders have a very short life span. While some species can survive for six months, others can survive for 1 to 2 years. More so, females are known to live longer than their male counterparts.
