Tutelina elegans

Tutelina elegans is a taxonomic species first recognized in the scientific literature with the authority citation (Hentz, 1846). The binomial follows Linnaean conventions: Tutelina (genus) + elegans (specific epithet). The specific name elegans is Latin for "elegant" or "refined," a descriptive epithet applied by naturalists to note the attractive metallic appearance of the spider.

A small salticid measuring approximately 4–6 mm in body length. Females have a cephalothorax about two-thirds as wide as long with straight, nearly parallel sides; an oval abdomen nearly twice as long as wide; overall bronze-green coloration that can appear copper-red in certain light; legs yellow with dark longitudinal stripes except the front femora which are dark brown. Males are generally more brightly colored: orange legs darkening toward the ends with fine dark longitudinal stripes; front tibial tips dark brown with long brown hairs; orange pedipalps, sides and posterior portion of the cephalothorax orange with a white line over the coxae; upper cephalothorax and abdomen covered with greenish-yellow scales; two tufts of long hairs on the front of the head (yellow mixed with black) pointing forward between the middle and lateral eyes; an iridescent purple spot at the posterior end of the abdomen; abdomen underside green; sternum and coxae orange. Chelicerae are slender with short, strongly curved fangs (claws); in males the chelicerae are slightly longer and somewhat hollowed on the inner side. In males the first pair of legs are much longer and larger; in females the fourth legs are the longest.

Described in the supplied sources as a member of the jumping spider family (Salticidae). The provided materials do not detail species-specific ethology; beyond taxonomic placement, explicit hunting methods, locomotion, or behavioral repertoire are not described in the supplied texts.