Jumping spiders (Araneae : Salticidae) that feed on nectar

Nectivory was studied in 90 species from the spider family Salticidae. Obse rvations of 31 of these species feeding on nectar from flowers in nature wa s the impetus for laboratory tests in which all 90 species fed from flowers . That sugar, not just water, is relevant to salticids was implied by choic e tests where salticids spent more time drinking from a simulated nectar so urce (30% sucrose solution) than from distilled water. Our findings suggest that nectar feeding may be widespread, if not routine, in salticid spiders .