Pseudoteadus

Pseudoteadus is a fictional genus of jumping spiders created for illustrative purposes in encyclopedia-style writing. In this article it is placed in the family Salticidae within the order Araneae.

The genus is described as having three species: Pseudoteadus cyaniceps, Pseudoteadus fulvus, and Pseudoteadus maculosus. Diagnostic features include a compact cephalothorax, a characteristic dark central stripe on the prosoma, and iridescent chelicerae in males.

Specimens are small, measuring 4–7 millimeters in body length; coloration varies from brown to gray with patterning used in camouflage among leaf litter.

Pseudoteadus is said to occur in tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Neotropics, typically in leaf litter and understory vegetation.

Like many Salticidae, they are diurnal visual hunters, relying on their primary eyes for prey detection. Courtship involves complex leg and body movements; females guard eggs and build silken egg sacs.

The name Pseudoteadus combines pseudo- meaning false with a constructed root Teadus, intended to evoke resemblance to related genera.

The genus name was coined for this demonstration entry and has not been used in formal taxonomic literature.