face of female Phidippus johnsoni
female
Phidippus johnsoni
(Red-backed Jumping Spider)
Salticidae 

These red-backed jumping spiders are common in this area and can often be observed hunting in the meadow or your backyard. These colorful jumping spiders were captured separately, but in the same week in April of 2002. When put together, the male was friendly, but the female wasn't. It was interesting to watch them dance and display their iridescent chelicerae and fangs to each other as they "dosadoed." Perhaps the female noticed that the male had lost a leg and thought she could do better.

female Phidippus johnsonimale Phidippus johnsoni
left- female (red back with black stripe)
right - male (red back no stripe)
 
 

The two Phidippus johnsoni dance brieflyPhidippus johnsoni (Red-backed Jumping Spider) pair

They danced briefly and decided not to be a couple.
 
 
 
 
 
The spiders were placed in a
not-so-clear plastic container.

 
 
 
male Phidippus johnsoni rears
right - The male rears in a defensive action
after being released from the container.


Below - Male Phidippus johnsoni climbs on a dime.
Make Phidippus johnsoni climbs on a dime.
 

Male Phidippus johnsoni shines his chelicerae to impress the female.
In this image the male is shining up his iridescent teal-colored chelicerae with his pedipalps after he discovers a female is nearby.
Notice the fang? These spiders can cause a painful bite.

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