Taxonomy of Tan Jumping Spider: Arthropoda » Arachnida » Araneae » Salticidae » Platycryptus » Undatus

Image Source: Kevin Wiener

Physical Description

This jumping spider is very popular because of its “cute” eyes. Well, cute as in big anyway. It has a hairy body that is made up of many different shades of brown. This is very beneficial for them as they can use this as a camouflage to either hide from predators or pounce on prey. The females can reach up to 13mm in size while the male will reach no larger than 10mm. This spider is known for its very detailed and acute eyesight, and more specifically, it's two very large eyes that face frontward.

Location & Habitat Of The Tan Jumping Spider

This spider is located in all of the eastern United States and the southeastern region of Canada. It is commonly seen on tree trunks, fences, posts, and outside walls. You may also come across this spider while hunting for prey among bushes and shrubs.

Prey & Predators

The Tan Jumping Spider hunts its prey rather than making a web to catch its meals. It tend to sit, wait, and stalk for a good opportunity to pounce on it's next victim. It commonly eats insects or other arthropods resting nearby. Predators to this spider and its eggs are birds, mammals, reptiles, and wasps.

Reproduction & Life Cycle

The male spider courts the female by waving his legs and tapping on the ground. After mating, the female will web a silk chamber around herself in which she will lay her eggs in the floor of it. She then webs a silk covering over the top of her eggs as well. After this, she will remain above her eggs to protect them. She remains in the top part of the chamber while the eggs are under her. They will hatch into spiderlings within 3-4 weeks.

Are Tan Jumping Spiders Harmful to Humans?

These spiders have actually been noted to be quite curious and docile towards humans. As long as they are not being held aggressively, they will not bite. If bitten, there is no medical significance.

Other Names

Platycryptus undatus