Cosmophasis umbratica

Appearance

The female "Cosmophasis umbratica" has a green cephalothorax and a mixture of the black, white, and brown abdomen. They do not have much iridescent coloration on their bodies. On the other hand, the male "Cosmophasis umbratica" are also green and black, but they have silver-like irredescent markings on their abdominal region. They have white, iridescent markings on the lateral cephalothorax and the dorsal as well as on the femora of all legs. Males also have silver-like lines along the abdomen.

Most males are bigger and brighter than these female spiders. Adult males tend to be anywhere from 5-7 mm in length. They are known for their long, slender legs that are brightly colored which help them jump from place to place. On the other hand, the adult females are only about 4-5mm in length and their legs are much shorter in comparison to males.

Both male and female "C. umbratica" present with sexual dimorphism in both size and color. Their colors will not fade over time as long as it is well preserved.

Distribution

The genus "Cosmophasis" is found near tropical regions as well as in areas of India to Sumatra. These spiders are commonly found in areas of low vegetation, plants in extravagant gardens, and in some instances on tree trunks. They typically reside on leaves and flowers of tropical plants in open areas. The shinny, jumping spiders are mainly active when exposed to sunlight and in morning and the earlier side of the afternoon.

"Cosmophasis umbratica" are most commonly found in regions of south and southeast Asia. These spiders are mainly spotted in regions with higher exposure to sunlight and are generally found on leaves of plants. "Cosmophasis umbratica" are primarily spotted during late mornings and early afternoons.

According to Joseph K H Koh’s Singapore guidebook, there is an abundance of this species in Singapore, providing a characteristic aesthetic glow. Although the exact origin of these spiders is not known, it is hypothesized that there is a direct correlation between the presence "Ixora" plant and the presence of these spiders.

Behavior

"Cosmophasis umbratica" displays dimorphic behavior in the presence of UV light. The male species reflect ultraviolet light  on the entire body; however, females do not reflect UV light off of their bodies at all. Males will utilize this reflective ability during mating. This dimorphic behavior is an example of sexual signaling. 

"C. umbratica" has four main ways of movement: skittering, drumming of palps, bobbing of the abdomen, and lunging. Palps are a second pair of appendages on the chelicerates on "C. umbratica."After mating, the female "C. umbratica" holds the sperm until she is ready to fertilize and lay her eggs. The mother will create an egg sac made of silk that will protect the eggs throughout their development, which is a behavior observed in many spiders. As the eggs are woven and hidden inside the silk, they stay there until fertilization occurs. The mother will lay anywhere from two to thirty-six eggs.

Although some spiders may lay there woven sac in a secure location, the mother "C. umbratica" carries her sac with her until her egglings hatch in order to protect them. When the eggs are ready to hatch, spiderlings emerge

Reproduction

Males become sexually mature before females. They are on the hunt for a suitable partner earlier on. During male to female interactions, skittering is one of the main ways to attract a female. Females tended to be drawn to the level of excitement the males displayed. Therefore, in the presence of females, males became eager and move their bodies back and forth. As the male attempts to mate with a female, there is a lot of decamping taking place. When a male faces the female and she doesn’t decamp, then the male will continue to skitter alongside her grabbing her attention. Furthermore, the male will drum and his posture straightens and he flexes his abdomen and displays his UV light.

Sometimes, the female will try to gain the male’s attention. This is done by bending the abdomen and prodding onto the male. There is a game of “tag” between the male and female as one tries to grab the attention of the other. The females generally try to avoid the attention of the male for as long as possible before entertaining the male.

The coupling time varies between each of the "C. umbratica". Almost all couplings end with the females scurrying away. Females will not have just one partner throughout their lifespan.

Defense

"Cosmophasis umbratica" are known to be harmless to people and do not tend to bite individuals. The spider’s venom is harmless and non poisonous  unless one is allergic to spiders in general. There should not be any risk of getting bitten by "C. umbratica". Even if one were to attack and try to kill these spiders, very rarely would these spiders bite as they are traditionally considered non-violent. These "C. umbratica" are known to be one of the 'kindest' spiders in the world.