Diptera.info

Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Spider ID

Posted by Muhammad Mahdi on 15-01-2009 19:31

Please id this spider below. It was around 5-7mm long, it has been feeding on houseflies. Pictured in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Thanks
img395.imageshack.us/img395/7233/0007sg5.jpg

img395.imageshack.us/img395/7233/0007sg5.jpg

Edited by Muhammad Mahdi on 15-01-2009 19:35

Posted by Juergen Peters on 15-01-2009 21:18

Hello. Muhammad!

Jumping spider, Salticidae. Sorry, can't say more, I know only the central European species...

Posted by Tony Irwin on 15-01-2009 21:21

Salticidae female is as far as I can take it

Posted by Muhammad Mahdi on 16-01-2009 05:52

Thanks to both of you for your help.
One more question, whats the difference between the males and the females?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 16-01-2009 18:51

The male palps are modifed into mating organs, so are usually swollen and have a complicated structure. Female palps are plain and unswollen (as in your picture). Young spiders also have plain palps, but they can be recognised by their translucent cuticle and delicate appearance.

Posted by Muhammad Mahdi on 17-01-2009 07:43

Thank you.