If there is anything special about the Hispo jumping spider, it is definitely their physical features, size, what they feed on, and their ability to thrive in almost any environment they are introduced to. And just like other jumping spider species, Hispo is a brilliant genus of spider which belongs to the family Salticidae.
While we will go into more details as regards what Hispo jumping spiders look like later, we want to let you know right from the get-go that Hispo jumping spiders are small to medium-sized jumping spiders that measure between 5 to 7 mm in length.
As of March 2017, there are at least nine recognized species of this genus of jumping spiders, and we are confident that as more studies are carried out to understand them better, we will learn more unique details about our leaper friends.
That said, let us take you through everything you need to know about the Hispo jumping spider.
What is their scientific name?
If there is one thing that most jumping spiders have in common, it is the fact that they have a general name they are called. Unfortunately for our leaper friend we are currently exploring, we haven’t come across a familiar name they are called. Instead, their scientific, Hispo has managed to follow them everywhere they go.
The reason for the lack of a common name maybe because there isn’t a lot of information about this jumping spider species. Nevertheless, as studies continue to learn more about the Hispo, we are optimistic that we may soon come across a common name for our spider friends.
For now, we will stick to their scientific name, Hispo.
Physical features and size
Before we take you through what our leaper friends look like physically, let us tell you straight away that the Hispo jumping spider isn’t a gigantic species of jumping spider. As a matter of fact, they are small to medium-sized jumping spiders who can’t go head to head with some of the larger species of jumping spiders out there.
To cut the chase, adult females of this jumping spider measure between 5 to 7 mm. On the flip side, their male counterparts come in slightly smaller, and that’s because they measure between 3 to 4 mm in length.
And like we mentioned earlier, the Hispo jumping spider looks exceptionally unique, and that’s all thanks to their dominant black bodies. And just so you know, the Hispo jumping spider isn’t particularly hairy. And because they tend to mimic ants and look very much like them, it’s easy to mistake our leaper friends for ants.
While there isn’t a lot of information regarding the females of this species, studies show that adult males of this jumping spider have an elongate and flat body. On the other hand, females of this jumping spider species feature an unusual double copulatory duct, which experts believe to be a synapomorphy of the subfamily.
Overall, the Hispo jumping spider is a brilliant jumping spider species that share unique characteristics with ants. If you’re interested in knowing where the Hispo jumping spider is from, then you’re welcome to read further.
Where are they from?
Even though the Hispo jumping spider has a widespread distribution, thanks to their ability to thrive and survive in any environment they are introduced to, studies show that our spider friends are native to Madagascar, with a large variety of this jumping spider found in Africa and Seychelles.
Outside Africa and Madagascar, some species of this jumping spider have been spotted in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, where experts believe they are an introduced species. And as far as their habitat is concerned, the Hispo jumping spider has been spotted on tree trunks and leaves of shrubs. Plus, they seem to thrive very well in temperate and tropical regions.
Diet/food
As far as feeding is concerned, Hispo jumping spiders can fend for themselves in the wild. Thanks to their brilliant eyesight and excellent jumping skills, these jumping spiders will patiently stalk their prey and swiftly pounce on them.
While they mainly prefer ants, they won’t shy away from small insects like butterflies, aphids, crickets, flies, and more. And yes, they also tend to feed on small web-building spiders. If you plan to keep the Hispo jumping spider in captivity, you have to ensure you feed it properly by offering it feeder insects you either catch around your home or order from pet stores close to you.
What is their temperament?
Jumping spiders such as the Hispo are indeed vicious towards their prey, but you know what else is interesting about our leaper friends? They are super friendly, especially when they come across humans.
While their first instinct is to attack their prey viciously, our spider friends appear calm and collected when they spot humans. Because of how friendly they are, many spider enthusiasts enjoy keeping them as pets.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans?
Like we mentioned earlier, jumping spiders are vicious and aggressive towards their prey. When they spot their prey, they will aggressively pounce on them and paralyze them using their potent venom.
Thankfully, our leaper friends are not dangerous to humans. And even though they have a potent venom that can incapacitate their prey, their venom doesn’t cause any harm to humans. Should you ever get stung by the Hispo jumping spider, you’ll likely only experience mild irritations and redness that disappears after some days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of Hispo jumping spiders?
In terms of their size, Hispo jumping spiders aren’t very big. While females of this jumping spider species measure between 5 to 7 mm, their male counterparts come in slightly smaller, and that’s because they measure between 3 to 4 mm.
What is their unique habitat?
Although our leaper friends can thrive very well in any environment they find themselves in, they tend to hang around tree trunks and shrubs. They can also be spotted under rocks.
Do they make great pets?
Because they are friendly and not venomous to humans, Hispo jumping spiders will make great pets. More so, their spider antics will thrill spider enthusiasts.
