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Jumping spider (Hypaeus benignus)
A jumping spider (Hypaeus benignus) from the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. H. benignus is about 7 millimeters long.
More about this Image
As part of her dissertation research, supported by a National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship, Lisa Taylor of Arizona State University's (ASU) School of Life Sciences studied mimicry in the jumping spider family Salticidae. Salticidae are the largest family of jumping spiders in the world.
In biology, mimicry is the similarity of one species to another. The mimicry may offer protection from predators for one or both of the species involved, and may help the mimic acquire food more easily. The mimicking species may be similar to the mimicked in appearance, behavior, sound, scent and location.
Currently, Taylor is studying the courtship rituals of jumping spiders. In particular, she is interested in how animals use color to communicate. In her dissertation work at ASU, she is working with a group of colorfully ornamented jumping spiders (like the ones pictured here) in the genus Habronattus. She's trying to understand how they use color to advertise themselves to potential mates and competitors, as well as to deceive and avoid potential predators. (Date of Image: 2005-2010)
Credit: Lisa Taylor, Arizona State University
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