Research Stories

Red-faced courtship

Spider Eyes: Photo courtesy Lisa Taylor, ASU doctoral student.Spider Eyes: Photo courtesy Lisa Taylor, ASU doctoral student.

A male jumping spider cannot hide his intentions. A brilliant red face signals that the spider is in search of a mate. The jumping spider (Habronattus pyrrithrix) is often found in backyards and golf courses around Phoenix. These spiders are extremely sexually dichromatic—the males are bright and colorful while females are dull gray and inconspicuous. Strutting males intent on passing along their genes flash their expressive features and wave their legs. The legs are marked with iridescent green tufts. The elaborate courtship dance can last for hours.

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