Phidippus comatus Peckham & Peckham, 1901 - Jumping Spider

Edwards revision of Phidippus indicates that data for the specimens he reviewed were located in orchards and woodlands at a range of elevations between 1500 and 8200 feet. The Phidippus comatus in the video were observed near the shoreline of Lake Travis, a large, multi-use reservoir created by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and located west of Austin, Texas. Although not at "sea level" the altitude of the Turkey Bend and Gloster Bend recreation areas, at approximately 600 - 700 feet, is somewhat less than the range given by Edwards. In addition the spiders shown here were closely associated with man-made structures in relatively open camping, picnic, and boat launch areas. The occurrence of P. comatus here may indicate the species adaptability to additional habitats such as the ones created along the shores of Lake Travis.
Edwards, 2004