Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/63050
Phidippus spiders are commonly known as jumping spiders. At up to 3/4 of an inch long, they are relatively large spiders. They are typically black with spots and stripes on their abdomen and legs. Often the spots are orange colored in immature stages. They actively stalk prey and do not make webs. Their large, forward-facing eyes aid them when stalking prey. Many species are found in central Washington. Twenty percent of the Phidippus spiders analyzed had eaten codling moth. Spiders have spun webs all along this trellised orchard row in the conventionally managed Auvil Fruit Company orchard at Vantage, Washington. Tegenaria, or hobo spiders, pictured left, are fast-running spiders that make funnel webs. Gut-content analysis shows that they will feed on codling moth. Three species are found in central Washington, the most common of which is T. agrestis. www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER MAY 1, 2012 17 chris peters sturgis McKeever, georgia southern university, Bugwood.org