Major Chelicerae - _TNY_8156
This male zebra spider (Salticus scenicus), is adult as shown by the absolutely massive chelicerae (the mouth parts) which adult males of all Salticus species grow.
If I understand correctly, these are used to wrestle other males for dominance in much the same way as stag beetles do. Seeing one of these wrestling matches is pretty high on my wishlist and since this species is by far the most common around (and inside) my house I don’t find it impossible to see one some day.
Major Chelicerae - _TNY_8156
This male zebra spider (Salticus scenicus), is adult as shown by the absolutely massive chelicerae (the mouth parts) which adult males of all Salticus species grow.
If I understand correctly, these are used to wrestle other males for dominance in much the same way as stag beetles do. Seeing one of these wrestling matches is pretty high on my wishlist and since this species is by far the most common around (and inside) my house I don’t find it impossible to see one some day.