About Menemerus taeniatus (L.Koch, 1867)
Menemerus taeniatus is a species of jumping spider that displays sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have distinct differences in coloration and body size. Males reach a total body length of 7 millimeters, making them smaller than females. In males, the cephalothorax is black, with a white border and a broad mixed white and yellow band running across its back. The sides of the male cephalothorax have mixed black and yellow coloration. The anterior region of the male’s head is covered in yellow hairs; the male’s mandibles are black, while its maxillae and labium are blackish-brown, with maxillae having yellowish-white tips. The male’s sternum is brownish-yellow and covered in white hairs. On the upper surface of the male abdomen, there is a broad longitudinal mixed yellow and white band, bordered on both sides by zigzag stripes. The male abdomen’s sides and underside are grayish-white and covered in hairs. The male’s spinnerets are brownish-yellow with black tips. The male’s legs are brownish-yellow; the femur and patella segments have black tips and bear white hairs, and all leg segments are brownish-yellow with black-tipped ends. Females are larger, reaching a total body length of 9.5 millimeters. Females have a grayish abdomen with a whitish band marked by transverse lines, and light yellow legs covered in white hairs. Males have brownish legs with thick anterior legs and ringed posterior legs. Menemerus taeniatus is widely distributed across the Mediterranean region, ranging eastward to the Caucasus. It has been recorded in Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, and many Mediterranean islands. This species has also been introduced to Argentina; it was originally described there as a separate species, Deloripa canescens. This spider is most commonly found on sun-exposed walls, particularly in Mediterranean coastal areas.
