khosey1
Habronattus pyrrithrix jumping spider
The female Habronattus pyrrithrix jumping spider is pretty inconspicuous, while males, like this guy, have these gorgeous red face patches and green leg areas that they use in courtship displays. Interestingly, a study found that the condition and fitness of males' bodies correlated positively with how brightly colored the red face was -- but correlated negatively with how bright of a green was on his legs. The study seemed to show that the red face, more than anything, is dependent on how high-quality of a diet the spider consumed as a juvenile, therefore making it the clearest indicator (in the study) of body condition. As to the "brightness of the green," I've seen deeper-green colors on the legs of these guys, while this one's legs were more of a bright gold-green. Given his face (and his feistiness while I stalked him!), I'd say he probably made some female pretty happy. :-)
Habronattus pyrrithrix jumping spider
The female Habronattus pyrrithrix jumping spider is pretty inconspicuous, while males, like this guy, have these gorgeous red face patches and green leg areas that they use in courtship displays. Interestingly, a study found that the condition and fitness of males' bodies correlated positively with how brightly colored the red face was -- but correlated negatively with how bright of a green was on his legs. The study seemed to show that the red face, more than anything, is dependent on how high-quality of a diet the spider consumed as a juvenile, therefore making it the clearest indicator (in the study) of body condition. As to the "brightness of the green," I've seen deeper-green colors on the legs of these guys, while this one's legs were more of a bright gold-green. Given his face (and his feistiness while I stalked him!), I'd say he probably made some female pretty happy. :-)