ARACHNIDA > ARANEAE > Salticidae

Commonly known as 'jumping spiders' because of the way they pounce on prey, the Salticidae family consists of 39 generally small, but distinctive species, in 19 genera; Aelurillus (1), Attulus (2), Ballus (1), Calositticus (3), Euophrys (3), Evarcha (2), Heliophanus (4), Hypositticus (1), Macaroeris (1), Marpissa (3), Myrmarachne (1), Neon (4), Pellenes (1), Phlegra (1), Pseudeuophrys (3), Salticus (3), Sibianor (2), Synageles (1) and Talavera (2)

With their compact shape, short robust legs and square-fronted cephalothorax carrying a row of four large forward-facing eyes with the central pair giving the appearance of car headlamps, salticid spiders are pretty much unmistakable. Identification to genus and/or species though can be far more challenging. Some are very attractive and despite their small size are sought after photographic subjects.

Unfortunately, finding different species is far from easy as most are considered to be rare or nationally scarce. In fact, there are only eight species that are likely to be found locally that aren't uncommon, but I guess that adds extra interest as it's always good to be able to record a species that's infrequently seen.

The Heliophanus genus includes four species, which are collectively known as 'sun jumping spiders' as they only become active on top of plants in warm sunny weather, spending the rest of the time low down and hidden away. The females average 5-6mm and are easily recognisable as they have yellow pedipalps and a dark, mainly black body with contrasting yellowish-green or orangey coloured legs, sometimes with black streaking on the femora. The abdomen has a thin white band of hair around the anterior margin and, occasionally, one or two pairs of faint white spots in the posterior half. The smaller males have darker legs and pedipalps, which often have a line of white hairs down the front. They also have a black body, but with a distinct metallic sheen.  

Heliophanus cupreus and Heliophanus flavipes are both regionally common and can be found in a variety of habitats, whereas the other two species are rare with just a few scattered records; Heliophanus auratus from shingle beaches in the south, and Heliophanus dampfi from a handful of raised bogs in the north west and Scotland. They cannot be reliably distinguished without microscopic examination so are generally labelled as Heliophanus sp. However, of the two common species, Heliophanus flavipes is the most 'likely' locally. It has paler legs than Heliophanus cupreus and typically prefers drier habitats, whereas cupreus is more associated with damp vegetation on grasslands and woodland edges. Adults are normally active from April to July, although females often persist through to September.

Pseudeuophrys lanigera is a widespread although uncommon species, but one that can be identified due to its colour and markings. Also, the fact that it's strongly associated with human habitation, which makes it easier to find if you're fortunate enough to live in an area where it occurs. The carapace is black, but with a head area that's largely dominated by a central area of white hairs that taper back towards the abdomen and with the remainder covered with a mixture of brown and orange hairs. The abdomen is brownish with a central band of white hairs forming a vague inverted Y-shaped in the anterior half with chevrons behind that are said to be more defined in the female. The front legs differ being wholly dark brown in the male, but only partially so in the female. The remaining legs are yellowish-brown with dark streaks and annulations.  

Aelurillus v-insignitus, commonly known as the V-fronted Spider from the distinctive pattern on the head of well-marked males, is a nationally scarce, primarily southern species. The cephalothorax and abdomen are similar in size, particularly in the male, which gives them a squat appearance that can aid recognition in the field. The female has a grey-brown carapace with various light brown and blackish-brown spots, and a similarly coloured abdomen usually with an ill-defined median line. The smaller males are darker with a metallic sheen, a head area normally with white hairs that form a pair of inverted 'U'-shaped markings and a far more distinct abdominal median band. Unfortunately, the individual featured below, which was identified by an expert on the British Spider Identification Group, is very faded with virtually no discernable markings. Aelurillus v-insignitus favours dry heathland and stony grassland habitats in sunny locations.

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Updated, Jan 25 (v.3)