Salticid

Salticid refers to any member of the family Salticidae, the jumping spiders. Salticidae is the largest family of spiders, with thousands of described species distributed worldwide in a wide range of habitats, from leaf litter to human dwellings.

Salticids are small to medium-sized spiders characterized by their compact bodies and large anterior median eyes. They possess four pairs of eyes, with the middle pair of the front row notably large, giving high-resolution vision and color perception. This advanced visual system underpins their active hunting style and ability to distinguish prey, mates and rivals at close range.

They are diurnal and primarily terrestrial, though some live in leaves, bark, or grass. Salticids are active predators that stalk or ambush prey and then pounce with a rapid jump. They rely on vision for navigation and courtship, and they use silk to create safety lines, retreats, and egg sacs, but they do not rely on large orb webs to trap prey.

Reproduction involves complex visual courtship, especially in males, who may perform elaborate dances and leg raises to attract females. After mating, females lay eggs in silk sacs, guard the clutch, and give birth to spiderlings that mature through several molts.

Taxonomically, Salticidae is divided into multiple subfamilies, with Salticinae as the largest. The group is highly diverse, with many genera and species adapted to a variety of ecological niches.