Attulus fasciger (Simon, 1880) – Asian Wall Jumping Spider
Previously Sitticus fasciger; reassigned in the recent revision of sitticine jumping spiders to Attulus fasciger (Maddison et al. 2020, 1-54). As the paper makes clear, the sitticines are a widespread and well travelled group. Although the sitticines originally evolved in the Neotropics, their subsequent dispersal resulted in numerous Eurasian species. While five species (including A. floricola treated here) are considered native to North America, having “dispersed back from the Eurasian radiation,” A. fasciger is one of three Attulus species (including A. pubescens treated here) recently introduced to North America. (ibid, 1). While the fate of most introduced species is bleak, successful colonizers often prosper, at times at the expense of native organisms. One factor that, in part, may account for the success of A. fasciger is the spider’s use of man-made structures. Synanthropic species (see Cutler, 1990 and discussion under Naphrys pulex) may benefit from the concentration of potential prey on the exterior brick, stone, and wood surfaces of numerous artificial structures. Another advantage gained by A. fasciger in occupying this niche is the jumper’s ability to feed at night where light fixtures are present.
For recent taxonomy see Maddison et al., 2020 Sitticine jumping spiders
Wolff, 1981; Matsumoto and Yasunosuke, 1987
Massachusetts – First State / County Records, References
- ♦ *D. Walton – Sitticus fasciger – Middlesex (Concord), August 2009 – See video; pers. comm. W. Maddison, 2009
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♦ Connecticut – Kaston, 1981: 953
This species has not been recorded from Connecticut . . .
- *Sitticus fasciger is likely widespread and abundant in Massachusetts but little effort has been made to collect or document this species.
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Cutler, Bruce 1990. Synanthropic Salticidae
Of The Northeast United States. Peckhamia 2(6): 91-92