Phidippus spec. Ometepe
Phidippus spec. Ometepe
Name Dutch: Ometepe Jumping Spider
Scientific name: Phidippus spec. Ometepe
Age: On average 2 to 3 years
Height: Men 6 – 18mm and women 7 – 22mm
Day temperature: Average 26 – 28 degrees
Humidity: 40-70%
Activity: Day active
Legislation: None
Stay: Terrariums
Size Young Jumping Spider: 5 x 5 x 7 cm
Size Adult Jumping Spider: 20 x 20 x 30 cm
Description
The Phidippus spec. “Ometepe” represents a jumping spider population that thrives on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua. These agile spiders are characterized by their active lifestyle, typical of this spider species. They are mainly found in trees, where their unique build and colors make them perfectly adapted to stalk and capture prey. These hunters put on an impressive display while catching their food.
Female specimens are eye-catching with their shimmering metallic green base color, combined with a striking pattern of orange and black stripes on their abdomen. On the other hand, males have a more subdued black base color, which characterizes their appearance.
The appearance of the Ometepe Jumping Spider (Phidippus spec. Ometepe)
The Phidippus spec. “Ometepe” stands out for its more robust appearance compared to the cute Phidippus regius jumping spiders. The females are striking because of their beautiful metallic green base color, combined with an abdomen that shows off a striking pattern of orange and black stripes.
On the other hand, males have a more subdued black base color without the characteristic metallic sheen, gradually transitioning to subtle shades of gray as they mature.
As with other jumping spiders, males develop striking green-blue mandibles, while those of females turn pink. The size of the Ometepe Jumping Spider varies, with adult females generally larger at around 18mm in size than the males, which are around 14mm.
Is my Jumping Spider a Male or a Female?
Determining the sex of a jumping spider requires some patience and attention to subtle characteristics that only become clearly visible as the spider ages. It is therefore advisable to wait until the jumping spider reaches the fourth molt stage (FH4), which brings the spider closer to the sub-adult stage or adulthood.
Male Ometepe Jumping Spider
Male Ometepe jumping spiders are smaller than the females and have a fairly basic black and white color scheme, with distinctive green and blue teeth.
- Size: Measuring up to 18mm, males are smaller than females.
- Color: A typical black and white color scheme
- Teeth: Green-blue teeth visible around the 4th instar.
- Feeling feet: Thickenings at the end of the sensory legs, similar to a comma.
- Pedipalps: Larger pedipalps, almost like 'boxing gloves' used for transferring sperm to the epigyne during copulation.
Female Ometepe Jumping Spider
Female Ometepe jumping spiders are larger than the males and have a beautiful metallic green base color. In addition, they vary from warm tones such as orange, red, brown, gray, to even white, with pink colored teeth.
- Size: Generally larger than males, with sizes reaching up to about 22 millimeters.
- Color: Variable color palette, including warm tones such as orange, red, brown, gray, and even white.
- Teeth: Pink colored teeth.
- Feeling feet: Streamlined with an even shape.
- Pedipalps: Smaller pedipalps compared to males.
- Epigyne: The most striking feature on the underside of the female is the “epigyne,” a small, black and shiny dot between the book lungs. This characteristic is crucial for reproduction and the distinction between male and female jumping spiders.
Feeding and Hunting
Jumping spiders are known for their unique and active hunting behavior. They are able to stalk and capture prey using a combination of sight, speed and precision. Here's a general overview of how jumping spiders hunt:
- Sight: Jumping spiders have excellent vision organs called "anterior median eyes" that enable them to perceive movement and details at close range. This allows them to track and track prey.
- sneak up: Jumping spiders are known for their stealthy hunting technique. They move slowly and carefully towards their prey, keeping close to the surface so as not to be noticed.
- Estimate distance: While creeping closer to their prey, jumping spiders estimate the correct distance. This is critical because jumping spiders often attack their prey from a short distance.
- Jump: As soon as the jumping spider thinks it is close enough to the prey, it prepares to attack. Jumping spiders have very strong muscles in their hind legs and can use them to make powerful jumps. The jump is made possible by the rapid relaxation of these muscles, which causes the spider to launch itself towards the prey with considerable speed.
- Silk thread: During the jump, jumping spiders leave behind a thin thread of cobweb, which acts as a kind of anchor. This anchor allows the jumping spider to safely return to its original position after the attack if the attack is unsuccessful.
- Catch: During capture, the jumping spider brings its jaws (chelicerae) together to grab and bite the prey. This bite introduces an enzymatic venom that helps break down tissues of the prey, allowing the jumping spider to ingest it.
Feeding an Ometepe Jumping Spider
In captivity, you can feed Ometepe jumping spiders with various live insects appropriate for their size.
- Fly: Small fruit flies or flies can be an excellent food source for jumping spiders. They are often readily available and contain sufficient nutrients.
- crickets: Depending on the size of the jumping spider, you can offer small to medium sized crickets. These provide some variety in the diet and contain protein.
- Butterflies and moths: Small butterflies and moths can also be suitable prey, especially if they match the size of the jumping spider.
- Little grasshoppers: If you have access to small grasshoppers, they can also serve as food for jumping spiders.
- Little beetles: Some small beetles may also be suitable, but make sure they are not too large for the size of the spider.
It is important to adjust the size of the food prey to the size of the jumping spider. It is better to offer prey no larger than half the size of the spider's body. This prevents the spider from being overwhelmed or injured by oversized prey.
A Phidippus spec. Ometepe Jumping Spider as a pet
An Ometepe Jumping Spider is a fun jumping spider species to keep as a pet because of its active lifestyle, social behavior and tougher appearance.
Setting up a suitable terrarium is essential to provide your Ometepe Jumping Spider with a comfortable home. A terrarium of, for example, 20x20x30 cm with sufficient ventilation openings is recommended.
Provide plenty of hiding places, such as small pieces of bark or leaves, where your jumping spider can feel safe. Since these spiders are masters of camouflage, creating an environment that resembles their natural habitat contributes to their well-being.
Maintaining the correct temperature is critical to the health of your Ometepe Jumping Spider. An ideal daytime temperature varies between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is also essential to maintain a humidity of approximately 50% to 70%. Regularly spraying the terrarium will help maintain optimal humidity levels and provide the jumping spider with the humidity it needs.
Please note that the Ometepe Jumping Spider is a unique species with specific needs. Careful attention to creating a suitable living environment and monitoring their behavior will contribute to the well-being and fascination of this beautiful pet.
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