The white mustached jumping spider is an intelligent species of jumping spider that belongs to the Portia genus. Popular in different parts of Asia like Malaysia, Java, Burma, Sumatra, and Singapore, our furry friends are a joy to behold.
For those intrigued by this species of jumping spiders and looking to learn more about our leaper friends, you’re welcome to read today’s post as it has all the information you’re looking for and more.
The scientific name of the white mustached jumping spider
While they are generally called the white mustached jumping spider, this species of spiders is scientifically called Portia Labita.
Today, they are widespread across Asia and will be found in countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, Burma, Sumatra, Malaysia, Java, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Their sharp eyesight and impeccable jumping skills help this species to hunt and fend for themselves in the wild.
Description and size
Our furry friends have some exceptional attributes that will strike you right from the get-go. While they may not be the largest species of spiders out there, they aren’t too small either.
As per size, the females tend to be slightly bigger than their male counterparts. And just to give you some perspective, the female’s body length measures between 70 to 10 mm. Not just that, they also have a carapace that measures nearly 2.8 to 3.8 mm.
On the other hand, the males are only 5 to 7.5 mm long, with carapaces that measure nearly 2.4 to 3 mm.
In terms of color, the white mustached jumping spider has an orange-brown front body, with a pinch of black at the back. Plus, females come with a black and molted brown abdomen.
Although the males have black abdomen, their abdomens sport light markings you’ll not find in females.
Both the males and females have dark brown legs, with striking light markings seen on the femora.
Other characteristics: Just like other species of jumping spiders we have come across, Portia Labita possesses eight powerful eyes that are responsible for its brilliant eyesight.
Thanks to their robust set of eyes, these white mustached jumping spiders can easily grasp a small visual field.
Distribution and habitat
The white mustached jumping spider is one of the most common jumping spiders you’ll come across. Given their unique features and hunting ability, they are conspicuous and easy to identify.
They are predominantly found in Asia, especially in countries like the Philippines, China, Burma, Singapore, Malaysia, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, and India.
Because of their curiosity and a knack to hunt, these intelligent creatures tend to find their way to human environments.
Plus, our fuzzy friends like to stay in less dense forests, especially areas with many ambient lights. That said, you can also find them in highly disturbed areas like oil palm plantations.
Diet/food
In the wild, our spider friends are vicious hunters who actively seek out their prey. Thanks to their powerful vision, impeccable jumping, and admirable hunting skills, this species of jumping spider can fend for themselves in the wild.
While they particularly favor small insects, our spider friends can be daring and take on larger insects three times their size. Although they will savor a meal of flies, roaches, crickets, flies, mealworms, and others, it is an established fact that white mustached jumping spiders will readily feast on small spiders.
That said, when bred in captivity, they can no longer hunt or seek out prey. To this end, you must do the needful and always supply their favorite prey. We doubt this will be a problem, especially considering that their food can be easily gotten from pet stores close to you.
Temperament
Although our spider friends are vicious hunters who have no iota of pity for their prey, they are very friendly to humans. This explains why many exotic pet lovers are looking to keep them as pets. And even though they bite, these beautiful creatures only bite when they are handled roughly or feel threatened. So, as long as you handle them with care or don’t attempt to scare them, you should be fine.
Should you ever get bitten by a white mustached jumping spider, the most you’ll experience is redness and irritations that disappear after a couple of days.
Unique facts about the white mustached jumping spider
If you’re fascinated about Portia Labita, you’ll find some of these unique facts quite intriguing.
- The females prefer to feast on smaller insects.
- In the Philippines, the white mustached jumping is preyed upon by small ants.
- Just like other species of jumping spiders, the Portia Labita is a very intelligent genus of spider. According to experts, our fuzzy friends implement trial and error methods when hunting prey.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans?
Although spiders have some really bad reputations, the white mustached jumping spider is one of the nicest jumping spiders you’ll come across. While they are vicious hunters who actively seek out their prey, they are generally friendly to humans.
Yes, they bite, but they only do so when they feel threatened, disturbed, or handled roughly. While they have venoms that are potent enough to incapacitate their prey, their venoms aren’t harmful to humans.
Frequently asked question
What is the lifespan of Portia labia?
Like most jumping spiders, Portia labia have a really short lifespan. In the wild, this jumping spider species can survive for up to one year.
When raised in captivity, they live much longer and can survive for up to 3 years. Also, females tend to live longer than their male counterparts.
Are white mustached jumping spiders friendly?
Because of their friendly nature, many exotic pet lovers are looking to keep them as pets. Though they have potent venoms and can bite when they feel threatened, they aren’t harmful to humans.
Can you keep them as pets?
We love Portia Labita because they are curious and brilliant creatures who aren’t scared of human associations. And because they aren’t dangerous to humans, a lot of people fancy keeping them as pets.
