The Pellenes jumping spider is among the most striking jumping spiders we have come across. With lots of unique characteristics and antics, you’ll not see among other jumping spiders, Pellenes jumping spiders will impress you with their fantastic features.
This species of jumping spider was first described by a renowned taxonomist, Eugene Louis, in 1876. Plus, it is considered an advanced synonym of the Hyllothyene.
In terms of physical descriptions, the Pellenes jumping spider appears dark to black and features white stripes on their back, with a blend of bright red markings. Most species of this jumping spider we have come across have a knack for snail shells.
More so, adult males of this jumping spider look very similar to Hasarius adansoni, especially when viewed from the front.
What is their scientific name?
If anything is intriguing about jumping spiders, it is their scientific name. Even though most jumping spiders have a general name they are called, for some species we have come across, their scientific name has taken much precedence.
That said, our spider friend is scientifically referred to as the Pellenes bitaeniata. And just so you know, it was given its current scientific name in 1876.
Where do they come from?
The Pelennes jumping spider spreads across mainland Australia, especially from the tropical north to the inland victoria. Over the years, the Pellenes has been sighted in an area that spans from the Canary Islands all through Turkey and Isreal.
There have also been reported sightings of our spider friends across Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and as far as the Chinese peninsular.
Let us also add that this jumping spider species is endemic across Europe, and that’s because it has been identified in Surveys across a broad range of countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, and France.
Physical description and size
The Pellenes jumping spider is a medium-sized spider that measures between 4 to 5 mm in length. Like other species of jumping spiders, females of this species are slightly bigger than their male counterparts. While the females measure between 4.65 to 5.1 mm, males are slightly smaller as they measure between 3.15 to 3.65 mm.
Away from their size, our spider friends have a rather roundish head when viewed from above. Not just that, their head appears widest at the posterior lateral eyes.
They also sport a high carapace that is somewhat highest at the posterior median eyes. Their abdomen is ovate and slightly squared off at the front. Unlike other spiders we have come across, the chelicerae of the Pellenes spider sports a single retromarginal tooth as well as two promaginal teeth. The first pair of their legs are stronger than the others. Plus, their third pair of legs is slightly longer than the fourth.
Identifying the males of this species is super easy. First, males have a short, sharp palp that rises on the distal edge of their tegulum. More so, their tegulum appears roundish, even though they are missing the proximal lobe. On the other hand, females of this species sport two small epigynal atria with sclerotized guides. Their copulatory openings are positioned on the postero-lateral edges of each atrium.
Habitat and distribution
Although our spider friends are commonly spotted in cotton traps, they have been captured in pitfall traps and woodland. Elsewhere, our leaper friends have been spotted in a wide range of habitats, especially when beating foliage.
Habits and behaviors
With jumping spiders, you get to observe a spate of characteristics you’ll not see among traditional spiders. That said, our spider friend likes to nest and overwinters in snail shells. While this behavior is peculiar among the Pellenes jumping spider, jumping spider species such as the Xerolenta obvia also displays similar behavior. Also, our spider friends like to suspend from tress.
Although the Pellenes spider has impressive jumping skills to evade predators, it likes to shelter in shells.
What do they eat?
The Pellenes jumping spider is a brilliant hunter with an impressive vision that comes alive when hunting prey. While this species of spiders don’t use webs for hunting, their impeccable jumping skill is enough to catch their prey.
Our spider friends will feast on small and large insects in the wild, including flies, mosquitoes, crickets, and more. When they are super hungry, they will not hesitate to take on medium-sized insects like grasshoppers. Plus, they also sometimes feed on web-building spiders.
However, when bred in captivity, they can no longer hunt for themselves; thus, you have to provide them with feeder insects you can catch around your home or order directly from pet stores close to you.
What is their temperament?
Pellenes jumping spiders appears calm and collected; little wonder why they are described as friendly. And given their friendly nature, many exotic pet lovers want to raise them as pets.
That said, our spider friends can become aggressive and defensive when they are handled roughly or feel threatened.
To ensure you don’t get bitten, make sure you handle them gently, especially if this is your first time handling jumping spiders.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans?
While most jumping spiders are venomous, their venom isn’t harmful to humans, which is a good thing. And even though they tend to bite when they feel threatened, a bite from the Pellenes jumping spider will only leave slight irritations and redness that disappears after a couple of days.
Frequently asked questions: Learn more about the Pellenes jumping spider.
Can the Pellenes jumping spider be raised as pets?
Are you looking to keep a jumping spider that isn’t dangerous as a pet? Then you’ll not be disappointed to get the Pellenes jumping spider as it isn’t harmful to humans. While this jumping spider has a potent venom, its venom isn’t toxic to humans.
How often should you feed a jumping spider?
One unique thing about jumping spiders is that they don’t eat very much, so feeding them once every two to three days is perfect.
How long can they survive?
Our spider friends have a very short lifespan. In the wild, they can survive for six months to one year. When bred in captivity, they can thrive for almost two years.
