More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Spiders of Zihuatanejo
ORDER ARANEAE
Sylvan Jumping Spiders
Colonus sylvanus
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Chelicerates Subphylum Chelicerata
-Typical Spiders (Suborder Araneomorphae)
-Entelegyne Spiders (Infraorder Entelegynae)
-Salticoid Spiders (Superfamily Salticoidea)
-Jumping Spiders (Family Salticidae)
-Typical Jumping Spiders (Subfamily Salticinae)
-Tribe Gophonini
-Genus Colonus
-Sylvan Jumping Spider (Colonus sylvanus)
Colonus sylvanus s is diurnal and highly active, relying on keen eyesight and precise leaps rather than webs to capture prey, which consists mainly of small insects and other arthropods. It is harmless to humans and plays a beneficial ecological role as an efficient predator that helps regulate insect populations. Jumping spiders forage for their prey in the daytime. They approach prey slowly and, when a short distance away, make a sudden leap onto the unfortunate animal. They are good jumpers and can leap at least 10 times their own body length.
Description
• Colonus sylvanus, commonly known as the sylvan jumping spider, is a species in the family Salticidae. It is a relatively small spider, typically around 7.5 mm or less in body length. It has a compact body, prominent forward-facing eyes, and strong legs adapted for jumping. Contrasting pale markings on its body help distinguish it from similar jumping spiders.
Range
• Colonus sylvanus occurs from the United States south through Mexico and Central America to Panama. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• It is commonly associated with trees and woody vegetation, where it moves along branches and foliage in search of prey. It may also occur in fields and other habitats with suitable vegetation.
Diet
• Colonus sylvanus is an active predator that hunts small insects and other arthropods. It uses its keen eyesight to locate prey, then stalks and leaps onto its target before subduing it with its fangs. Jumping spiders do not use capture webs to catch their food.