Phidippus regius

Phidippus regius, commonly known as the regal jumper, is a species of jumping spider found in parts of the United States and the Caribbean. It is the largest species of jumping spider in eastern North America.

Description

Adult male P. regius measure long on average, but can range between long. The first pair of legs, which are disproportionately larger in large males, have an alternating black and white fringe. The opisthosoma is black with several white markings on the dorsum: a basal band, a central triangular spot, and two posterior oval spots. The chelicerae are large and iridescent green-blue-violet in color, with a tubercle on each.
Adult female P. regius measure long on average, with a range between. They may exhibit white or orange markings on the opisthosoma similar to those seen in males, but the rest of the body is largely covered with scales that may be brown, orange, tan, gray, or combinations thereof. The chelicerae are iridescent green or red-violet but lack the tubercles present in males. Females have several tufts of setae around the eyes that males lack.
The juvenile P. regius is pale brown, with reddish-brown markings on the opisthosoma rimmed with black. The fangs are dark red. In southern populations, juvenile females may develop scales as early as the third instar, while males remain black and white throughout their life cycle.
Although P. regius is considered minimally harmful to humans, there have been documented cases where the bite caused severe pain similar to a bee sting, with swelling lasting up to three months. This reaction is likely due to individual sensitivity or localized inflammation.

Habitat

P. regius is most commonly found in relatively open areas, such as fields and light woodland, with adults often hunting on trees or building walls. They build silken nests at night in which to sleep, often inside palm fronds or similar shelters. Females lay their eggs under tree bark or within wooden structures such as barns.

Distribution

P. regius occurs in the southeastern United States, The Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Greater Antilles, and has been introduced to Easter Island. In the United States, it occurs throughout the southeast from southern Mississippi through North Carolina and South Carolina, and is most abundant in Florida.