Plexippoides doenitzi

The species name comes from the German Dönitz who collected it.

Scientific name	Plexippoides doenitzi
English name	Plexippoides doenitzi
Japanese name	Doenitzihaetori
Classification	Arachnida
Classification details	Araneae Salticidae
Full length	6-9mm
Distribution	China, Japan, Korea. Distributed in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu.

Characteristics

Jumping spider with light brown and blackish brown. The cephalothorax and abdomen are darker brown to the periphery. The abdomen has a light brown part running like a vertical line. Four large eyes line the front row of the cephalothorax. Walking legs have spines. Males and females are similar in shape, but females are about 1.5 times larger.

The species name is derived from the German teacher Dönitz, who collected this species while staying in Japan in the 19th century.

Ecology

It can be seen very commonly on trees and undergrowth leaves in flatland forests. It feeds on insects, and when it finds prey, it pounces and kills it. From early summer to summer, eggs are laid in a room made of stitched leaves.

Habitat

I photographed an individual walking on the handrail of Katakura Castle Ruins Park in Hachioji City. It had thin threads protruding from its abdomen. He looked up at the camera lens while reflecting the sky in rainbow colors with his big eyes.