Citation. Cutler, B.; Jennings, D. T. 1992. Habitat segregation by species of Metaphidippus (Araneae: Salticidae) in Minnesota. Journal of Arachnology 20:88-93.   [1033  LTER]

Abstract. Four species of Metaphidippus (Araneae: Salticidae) occupied different habitat types in Minnesota; M. arizonensis was found exclusively in sand prairie; M. flavipedes was almost completely restricted to conifers; M. insignis primarily inhabited open, non-canopy vegetation (e.g., grasslands); whereas, M. protervus occupied most habitats, but most evidently shaded forest understory and wetlands. Reasons for such habitat partitioning are conjectural. Size differences among the four species probably were not ecologically significant based on Dyar's constant; however, competition for prey may have influenced habitat selection.