Taxonomic account of jumping spiders – Genus Marpissa C. L. Koch (Archnida: Araneae: Salticidae) from Bangladesh

A taxonomic study on the jumping spiders’ genus Marpissa C.L. Koch, 1846 was carried out from different areas of Bangladesh. Four species were identified from the study, namely M. andamanensis Tikader, M. bengalensis Tikader, M. calcuttaensis Tikader and M. decorata Tikader. All the species are illustrated and described in detail for the first time in Bangladesh. Generic diagnosis, distribution and key to the species are also provided herewith J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 1-10

A Comparative Analysis of the Camera-like Eyes of Jumping Spiders and Humans

Among invertebrates, jumping spiders are one of the few groups whose representatives have camera-like eyes, and the only group whose representatives have fovea. The latter is present in the camera-like eyes of representatives of some groups of vertebrates, including humans. Based on the literature data, a comparative analysis of the camera-like eyes of jumping spiders and humans was carried out, in the course of which the similarities and differences in the properties and functions of their basic components were identified. The presented data are necessary for the formation of knowledge about jumping spiders as model animals for studying the functioning of the visual system.

A new record of Genus Icius Simon, 1876 for Jumping Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) of Pakistan

The research studies on the jumping family of Salticidae in Pakistan are rare due to several reason. In this study, I present the first record of Icius alboterminus (Caleb, 2014) from Pakistan. Specimen for the study is collected selected area of district Swabi, Pakistan. The findings of the study constitute the first record of genus Icius Simon, 1876 from the country, as well as an updated distribution map is presented in this study as well.

An arachnid′s guide to be an ant: morphological and behavioural mimicry in ant-mimicking spiders

Batesian mimicry imposes several challenges to mimics and evokes adaptations in multiple sensory modalities. Myrmecomorphy, morphological and behavioral resemblance to ants, is seen in over 2000 arthropod species. Ant-like resemblance is observed in at least 13 spider families despite spiders having a distinct body plan compared to ants. Quantifying the extent to which spider's shape, size, and behavior resemble model ants will allow us to comprehend the evolutionary pressures that have facilitated myrmecomorphy. Myrmaplata plataleoides are 'accurate' mimics of the weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina. In this study, we quantify the speed of movement of model, mimic, and non-mimetic jumping spiders. We use traditional and geometric morphometrics to quantify traits such as foreleg and hindleg size, body shape between the model ant, mimic, and non-mimics. Our results suggest that while the mimics closely resemble the model ants in speed of movement, they occupy an intermediate morphological space compared to the model ants and non-mimics. We suggest that ant-mimicking spiders are better at mimicking ant's locomotory movement than morphology and overall body shape. Our study provides a framework to understand the multimodal nature of mimicry and helps discern the relative contributions of such traits that drive mimetic accuracy in ant-mimicking spiders.