Ascyltus

Genus of spiders
the character in the Satyricon
Automatic taxobox
| taxon = Ascyltus
| image = A. pterygodes 2. jpg
| image caption = Ascyltus pterygodes, the type species, on Maui
| authority = Karsch, 1878 as of 2020, the genus contained 10 species. Ascyltus have four pairs of eyes, with the anterior median pair being the most prominent. One distinguishable characteristic of the genus is their antero lateral carapace, which is iridescently coloured.

Ascyltus are relatively large to medium sized salticids, distinguishable from other Pacific salticids by their antero lateral carapace, which is iridescently coloured. In addition to being iridescently coloured, their antero lateral carapace is typically widened even at a juvenile age. Like other members of the Salticidae, Ascyltus have four pairs of eyes in three rows. The anterior median eyes are noticeably more prominent than the others. Male palpal structures are similar among all Ascyltus species.

Ascyltus are carnivorous, so their diet mainly consists of insects around the tropical region. They capture the majority of their food by stalking or hunting prey. This includes many flies, crickets, and small grasshoppers.

Ascyltus relies on visual stimuli when catching prey. The anterior lateral eyes function to track moving objects. The anterior median eyes are essential for the stalking of prey because of their telescopic abilities. Ascyltus spiders typically employ one of three sets of responses to catch prey. The responses are a set of motor movements as follows: alignment pursuit follow, run, stalk; orientation alert, swivel; and capture crouch and jump. The distance separating the spider from its prey are the determining factor in the response pattern used.