A Study on the Covering Setae of Two Jumping Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) in Türkiye

Spiders exhibit a remarkable diversity of morphological and sensory adaptations, among which setae (hair-like structures) play a critical role. Setae are multifunctional, serving as mechanoreceptors, chemoreceptors, and thermoreceptors, enabling spiders to detect vibrations, air currents, chemical signals, and temperature changes in their environment. These structures are integral to prey capture, predator avoidance, and communication. Additionally, specialized setae, such as trichobothria, are highly sensitive to minute air movements, aiding in the detection of approaching prey or predators. Setae also contribute to locomotion, adhesion, and silk handling, highlighting their evolutionary significance. In this study, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the morphology of the setae on the opisthosoma of Salticus zebraneus (C.L.Koch, 1837) and Heliophanus kochii Simon, 1868 species of the family Salticidae. As a result of the this study, it was revealed that Salticus zebraneus (C.L.Koch, 1837) has lanseolate type setae while Heliophanus kochii Simon, 1868 has spatulate type setae. This is the first study to determine the setae morphology of these two species distributed in Türkiye.