The zebra spider (Salticus scenicus) is a common jumping spider of the Northern Hemisphere. Their common name refers to their vivid black-and-white colouration, whilst their scientific name derives from Salticus from the Latin for “jump”, and the Greek scenicus, translating to “theatrical” or “of a decorative place,” in reference to the flashy, zebra-like coloration of the species.
Female zebra spiders are 5–9 mm long, while males are 5–6 mm. Male zebra spiders have distinctly larger chelicerae than females. Spiders in the family Salticidae have especially enlarged anterior median eyes, though the anterior and posterior lateral eyes are also large when compared to the very small posterior median eyes. In total there are eight eyes, with the very large anterior median eyes primarily responsible for its excellent binocular vision. These small spiders are black with white hairs that form stripes.
Zebra spiders are widespread across Europe, North America, and North Asia, where they are found throughout the Holarctic.
This species is naturally associated with open habitats such as rock faces, shingle beaches and occasionally the trunks of trees. Due to their preference for open, vertical habitats they are often found living in proximity to humans in urban habitat such as on garden fences and the walls of buildings. Spiders have also been known to enter houses, where they can often be found living in the corner of windowsills.
Zebra spiders tend to hunt smaller spiders and other arthropods. They have been observed feeding on mosquitos that are almost twice their length. They have also been observed taking on prey items up to 3 times the length of the spider, such as some of the smaller species of moth. Like other jumping spiders, these spiders use their large front eyes to locate and stalk their prey. They move slowly towards their prey until they are close enough to pounce on top of their victim, and their hunting behaviour has been described as cat-like. Using their acute eyesight, they are able to accurately judge the distances they need to jump.
This species breeds during the spring and summer months. When a male and female spider meet, the male will conduct a courtship dance. The dance involves waving their front legs, pedipalps and moving their abdomen up and down. During the courtship dance males use their striped markings to signal that they wish to mate with the female. The courting ritual relies heavily on eyesight. The better the dance the more likely the female will want to mate. Males must be careful when approaching a female as they can risk being attacked or even mistaken as a prey species. If the female is impressed with the male's dance she will allow the male to approach. The female will crouch and allow the male to climb on top of her. Male spiders use a pair of leg-like appendages called pedipalps to transfer sperm to the female during the mating process. Females will stay with their egg sacs and will guard the young after they hatch. After the spiderlings have had their second moult they will leave the mother and fend for themselves.
