Salticus

Salticus is a genus of jumping spiders in the family Salticidae. Members of Salticus are small to medium-sized spiders characterized by a compact body and patterns that can serve as camouflage or signaling. The most familiar species is Salticus scenicus, the common zebra spider, which has a distinctive black-and-white striped abdomen and carapace and is widespread in temperate regions.

Salticus spiders are diurnal hunters that rely on their acute vision to stalk and leap on prey rather than using webs to capture it. They possess four pairs of eyes, including prominent anterior median eyes, which provide sharp, forward-facing vision. They typically measure a few millimeters in length and can rapidly leap several body lengths to catch insects and other small arthropods. Silk is used primarily for safety lines and for creating retreats, egg sacs, and draglines, not for wrapping prey.

Geographically, Salticus is a cosmopolitan genus found in a wide range of habitats, from leaf litter to urban structures. Salticus scenicus, in particular, is common across Europe and North America, often seen on walls, fences, and rocks.

Taxonomy and diversity: The genus contains numerous species distributed worldwide, and as with many spiders, taxonomic boundaries are subject to revision as new evidence emerges from morphology and genetics.