Plexippus setipes — identification & habitat

Plexippus setipes is a striped jumping spider found in parts of Asia, with no confirmed U.S. range. A broad pale band runs down its abdomen, with darker bands along the sides.

Appearance

Appearance: Females are about 0.28–0.31 in (7–8 mm) long and reddish brown to dark brown, with a broad yellow-brown center stripe and gray-brown side stripes. Males are about 0.24–0.28 in (6–7 mm), usually darker, and have brighter pale stripes on the .

Look-alikes

pantropical jumperPlexippus paykulli

The pantropical jumper has a pair of pale spots near the rear of the abdomen, beyond its lengthwise stripes. Plexippus setipes lacks that pair. A clear top view is needed.

Why they get mixed upBoth have long stripes, but the pantropical jumper is the one established in the United States.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: building walls and trees in East Asia
open ground in Korea
Range: It is known from Turkmenistan, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. No established U.S. range is confirmed.
Preferred conditions: Korean records place it on buildings, trees, and the ground; Japanese records include indoor and outdoor sites on Hachijō Island.

Behavior

Diet: It hunts small insects, including moth caterpillars.
Activity: Like other jumping spiders, it walks over surfaces to hunt instead of using a prey-catching web.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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