Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Edwards
(1) considers this to be part of a species group, but the taxonomy is not clear.
Explanation of Names
Author of species is Hentz, 1846. Species name
otiosus is a Latin adjective for free, at leisure
(1).
Size
Body length 8-12 mm (male), 12-18 mm (female)
Identification
Carapace dark brown with white hairs along the sides. Abdomen is brown above with distinctive pattern in orangish. Chelicerae of both male and female irridescent, usually green, but sometimes purple
(2).
Keys for recognizing specimens of Phidippus regius, P. otiosus and P. audax are described in:
Edwards G.B. 1981. The regal jumping spider
Phidippus regius (Araneae: Salticidae). Ent. Circ., Florida Dept. Agric. Consumers Service, Gainesville, 223: 1-3, 4 f. (
PDF) (
HTML)
Range
Southeastern United States: Texas, Tennessee, to Maryland. Common in Florida
(1).
Habitat
Canopy of deciduous and mixed deciduous/pine forests.
Print References
Edwards, pp. 55-57, figs. C30-31, 154-161, map 12
(1)
Kaston, p. 257, fig. 657
(2)
