About Salticus zebraneus (C.L.Koch, 1837)
Salticus zebraneus is a small jumping spider. Females have a total body length (including chelicerae) of 3–4 mm, while males measure 3–3.5 mm. It resembles Salticus scenicus in appearance, but is typically smaller and has less distinct white stripes; some individuals only show a light scattering of white hairs. The species can be told apart from closely related species by unique features: females have a distinctive epigyne, and males have a relatively large tibial apophysis on the palp, which is much larger than the same structure in Salticus cingulatus. This spade-shaped apophysis should not be mistaken for the apophysis of Sitticus pubescens. Adult Salticus zebraneus reach maturity in the summer months. This species has been recorded in Europe, Turkey, Russia (including European Russia and the Caucasus region), and Iran. In Britain, it is generally rare, but has been found at multiple sites in south-east England. Across its range, it lives on tall plants, bushes, and trees, especially conifers. In Britain, it prefers the trunks of pine trees, and can sometimes occur in large numbers there.
