Salticinae

Salticinae is the largest subfamily of the jumping spider family Salticidae, comprising the vast majority of described species and genera. Members inhabit a wide range of habitats worldwide, from tropical forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas; Antarctica is the only major landmass without them.

They are typically small to medium-sized, often boldly patterned spiders with a compact cephalothorax and strong legs suited to quick, agile movements. A defining feature of jumping spiders, including Salticinae, is their eight eyes arranged so that the anterior median eyes provide high-acuity, forward-facing vision. Salticids have among the best vision of spiders, enabling precise pursuit and elaborate visual courtship displays.

Salticinae are diurnal predators that actively stalk and leap on prey rather than relying on webs to capture it. They use silk for safety refuges, draglines, protecting eggs, and aiding in dispersal of youngsters, but not to form capture webs.

Reproduction involves elaborate male courtship displays, with leg-waving, postures, and vibrations to entice females; mating leads to eggs in silken sacs guarded by the female until hatching.

Taxonomically, Salticinae is defined as the largest and most diverse subfamily within Salticidae, with thousands of described species in hundreds of genera, supported by morphological and molecular data.