Tan Jumping Spider, Familiar Jumping Spider
Platycryptus undatus
Salticidae (Jumping Spiders), Order Araneae. Characterized by high-acuity vision and active hunting.
Physical Description
Flattened body profile (dorso-ventrally compressed), covered in dense, short hairs. The cephalothorax is rectangular and slightly wider than the abdomen, which is elongated and oval.
Size Estimate
Body length 8-13mm (females) or 7-9mm (males). Small to medium sized jumping spider; the specimen in the image appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Mottled tan, gray, and brown. The abdomen features a distinct light-colored, wavy or 'undating' central band (which gives it the name 'undatus'). The face often has a white or orange mustache-like band of hairs below the eyes.
Web Type
Does not build a hunting web. Instead, it constructs small, thick silken 'pup-tents' or retreats for molting, sleeping, and laying eggs.
Eye Arrangement
Typical Salticid pattern: eight eyes. Two very large Anterior Median Eyes (AME) positioned centrally on the face, flanked by smaller Anterior Lateral Eyes (ALE), with four smaller eyes on the dorsal cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Sturdy and relatively short. The first pair is often slightly thicker for grasping prey. Legs are heavily mottled with brown and tan bands and covered in sensory hairs.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom specialized for paralyzing small insects. It is not considered toxic or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Low significance. Biting is a last resort and usually occurs only if the spider is squeezed. Symptoms are typically limited to mild localized redness or minor itching, similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
Harmless and beneficial. If found indoors, they can be easily relocated using a cup and a piece of paper. No special first aid is required for the rare event of a bite.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common across North America, especially the Eastern United States and Southern Canada. Often found on vertical surfaces like tree trunks, fences, and the exterior walls of houses.
Behavior & Temperament
Active diurnal hunter with excellent vision. Curious and generally docile toward humans. They track prey with their eyes and pounce from a distance, using a silk dragline as a safety tether.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator of small insects, including flies, crickets, and occasionally other small spiders. They use their keen eyesight to stalk prey like a cat before leaping.
Seasonal Activity
Active from spring through autumn. They often seek shelter in crevices or under tree bark to overwinter as adults or sub-adults.
Description
The Tan Jumping Spider is a charismatic, fuzzy arachnid frequently encountered in suburban environments. Its flattened body allows it to hide in narrow cracks, while its large eyes give it a friendly, expressive appearance.
Key Features
Undulating/wavy pattern on the dorsal abdomen; flattened body shape; large, forward-facing central eyes; mottled tan and gray camouflage.
Similar Species
Platycryptus californicus (found in the West) and various species of the genus Phidippus, which are generally more robust and colorful.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs in silk sacs hidden under bark or in crevices. They exhibit maternal care, guarding the sac until spiderlings emerge. Lifespan is approximately one to two years.
Ecological Importance
Critical for natural pest control. They keep populations of flies, gnats, and other household/garden pests in check.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but considered common and stable throughout its range.
Interesting Facts
Jumping spiders have the best vision of any invertebrate, comparable to that of a cat. They can jump up to 50 times their body length.
Photography Tips
Focus on the eyes to capture the spider's personality. Use a macro lens or high-magnification setting in bright, natural light to showcase the intricate hair textures.
Identified: 2026-07-11T13:59:12.039894