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Tan Jumping (Platycryptus undatus)

Tan jumping spiders are a prominent part of the jumping spider or Salticidae family. It is indigenous to North as well as Central America.

Tan Jumping Spider

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Female tan jumping spiders are 0.39-0.51 inches (10-13 mm), and males are 0.33-0.37 inches (8.5-9.5 mm).

Color: They have a brown, tan, or gray body with white and black flecks and red patches, especially around their eyes.

Other Characteristic Features: Their body remains compressed vertically, while their abdomens have vertical patterns making it difficult to distinguish them when they move on mottled surfaces. 

Tan Jumping Spider dorsal view

Eggs

During the summer season, eggs are laid in silken sacs mostly created under trees.

Tan Jumping Spider Egg Sac

Spiderlings

Young spiders hatch in the same summer, especially after 3-4 weeks of birth.

The Web

Tan jumping spiders do not build webs, like other spiders of their family. Rather they wait for the prey and attack them at the slightest available opportunity.

Are Tan Jumping Spiders Venomous

They are not aggressive, with low venom levels. They bite as the last resort that too when threatened. However, their bites are not detrimental.

Male Tan Jumping Spider

Quick Facts

Distribution Central and North America
Habitat Vertical surfaces like walls, fences, and tree trunks
Lifespan Around 1 year
Predator Birds, wasps, reptiles, and big mammals
Diet Smaller spiders
IUCN Conservation Status Not Listed
Tan Jumping Spider Female

Did You Know

  • Their eyes sometimes give them 360° views.
  • The undulating pattern on their abdomen earns its scientific name  ‘undatus’.
  • Their tan or brown coloration helps them camouflage well with the barks of trees.

Image Source: Backyardnature.n, Roadsendnaturalist.files.wordpress.com, Spiderid.com, lh6.ggpht.com

Tan jumping spiders are a prominent part of the jumping spider or Salticidae family. It is indigenous to North as well as Central America.

Tan Jumping Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Female tan jumping spiders are 0.39-0.51 inches (10-13 mm), and males are 0.33-0.37 inches (8.5-9.5 mm).

Color: They have a brown, tan, or gray body with white and black flecks and red patches, especially around their eyes.

Other Characteristic Features: Their body remains compressed vertically, while their abdomens have vertical patterns making it difficult to distinguish them when they move on mottled surfaces. 

Tan Jumping Spider dorsal view

Eggs

During the summer season, eggs are laid in silken sacs mostly created under trees.

Tan Jumping Spider Egg Sac

Spiderlings

Young spiders hatch in the same summer, especially after 3-4 weeks of birth.

The Web

Tan jumping spiders do not build webs, like other spiders of their family. Rather they wait for the prey and attack them at the slightest available opportunity.

Are Tan Jumping Spiders Venomous

They are not aggressive, with low venom levels. They bite as the last resort that too when threatened. However, their bites are not detrimental.

Male Tan Jumping Spider

Quick Facts

Distribution Central and North America
Habitat Vertical surfaces like walls, fences, and tree trunks
Lifespan Around 1 year
Predator Birds, wasps, reptiles, and big mammals
Diet Smaller spiders
IUCN Conservation Status Not Listed
Tan Jumping Spider Female

Did You Know

  • Their eyes sometimes give them 360° views.
  • The undulating pattern on their abdomen earns its scientific name  ‘undatus’.
  • Their tan or brown coloration helps them camouflage well with the barks of trees.

Image Source: Backyardnature.n, Roadsendnaturalist.files.wordpress.com, Spiderid.com, lh6.ggpht.com

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