Banded Phintella Spider (Phintella vittata): Scientific Classification, Habit and Habitat, Food Habit, Identifying Characters

Banded Phintella (Phintella vittata)

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:            Animalia

Phylum:              Arthropoda

Subphylum:       Chelicerata

Class:                 Arachnida

Order:                 Araneae

Family:               Salticidae

Genus:               Phintella

Species:            vittata

Habit and Habitat:

• Commonly seen on small bushes and small- medium sized plants.
• Under sunshine they appear to shine due to their iridescent body surface

Food Habit: The spider feeds on insects (mealybugs, aphids, flies, bees, moths,) and other spiders. Also, exhibit nectivory (feeds on nectar).

Identifying Characters:

1. Cephalothorax small, almost spherical with two broad black lines on bluish-white iridescent body.
2. Eight eyes present, ocular region covered with iridescent setae.
3. Chelicerae slender with longer, slender and curved fangs.
4. Abdomen almost rounded having alternate black bands on bluish white iridescent body.
5. A semi-circular black spot is present near the spinnerets.
6. Legs are slender and small.
7. The female spider is slightly larger than the male and measures about 4mm to 5mm in size. The size of male spiders varies from 3mm to 4 mm.

References:

•    https://asbb.assam.gov.in/sites/default/files/swf_utility_folder/departments/asbb_lipl_in_oid_7/portlet/level_2/Common%20Spiders%20from%20select%20PAs%20of%20Upper%20Assam.pdf

•    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274068981_Spider_nectivory_by_Phintella_vittata_Koch_Araneae_Salticidae_from_the_extrafloral_nectaries_of_Urena_lobata_L_from_the_Indian_region