The Peckhams original description of this species includes the following: This species is named for Prof. O. B. Johnson, of Washington University, Seattle, W. T., to whose kindness we are indebted for an interesting collection of Washington Territory arachnida.

Edward’s account of this widespread western Phidippus states that it is, Perhaps the species occurring in the greatest diversity of habitats . . . ranging from Pacific coastal beaches to elevations of 12,000′. Habitus drawings, maps, records, and detailed physical descriptions of both male and female P. johnsoni can also be found in Edwards’ Phidippus Revision.

Both Habronattus and Phidippus salticids have been the subject of numerous research projects and publications. Jackson’s detailed and interesting paper on the mating behaviors of P. johnsoni describes the male’s varied approach to soliciting the female: a suite of visual displays when both spiders are out of the nest, vibrational tactics when the female is secluded in her nest, and cohabitation with immature females.
Peckham & Peckham, 1883; Edwards, 2004; Jackson, 1978