Asiatic Wall Jumping Spider: How to Identify -

Asiatic wall jumping spider(Attulus fasciger) is a tiny exotic spider from Asia. It is native to Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, and Russia.

It was introduced into North America in the 1950s and has expanded its range rapidly with the unwitting help of humans. It is now widespread east of the Rocky Mountains.

Asiatic wall jumping spider: Description.

Magnificently equipped, the female Asiatic wall jumping spider measures between ⅛″ to 3⁄16″ in length without her elegant legs. The male counterpart is slightly more petite and falls within a similar size range. Its carapace (plate covering cephalothorax) is broad and rounded on the sides; usually, it appears dark brown or black but has white and brown hairs enrobing its body.

Additionally, white strands form an identifiable longitudinal line down its center for further distinction from other species.

The abdomen of the Asiatic wall jumping spider is a warm brown, with dark and light hairs that are densely packed. On the anterior portion, you will find two distinct bands with white spots; on the posterior area, there are two large white dots.

The legs present short yellow tones outlined in black rings containing bristles. Female Asiatic wall-jumping spiders have a broader abdomen with lighter brown hues accompanied by subtle yellows markings across its body.

Asiatic wall jumping spider: Eyes!

Almost occupying half of the carapace are four pairs of eyes distributed across three rows. The first row consists of Anterior Median Eyes (AME) and Anterior Lateral Eyes (ALE), curved backward. Of these two pairs, AMEs stand out as they are far more significant than ALEs – around twice their size!

Besides this front pair is a second set-up made solely by Posterior Median Eyes (PME). These highly sophisticated ocular organs take the brunt of visual labor by monitoring different scenarios that come into view; it’s no wonder why insects can be so agile despite having such tiny brains!

These eyes are so tiny that they can barely be seen in most photographs. The posterior lateral eyes (PLEs) take up the third row, situated far back on the head and spaced almost identically to ALEs. Finally, just behind the anterior eyes (AMEs and ALEs), you will find a line of erect black bristles with more scattered around its cephalothorax.