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Spider ID #752987

Asked May 30, 2021, 6:29 PM EDT

I’ve never seen this variety of spider; it’s about an inch long (South Lyon, MI). Can anyone ID it for me?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

That is a tan jumping spider aka tree trunk spider, Platycryptus undata (Salticidae).

The tree trunk spider is among the most commonly seen spiders in Michigan. This spider has fuzzy pedipalps, usually white. The tree trunk spider generally is gray, with flecks of black, white and sometimes reddish hairs. Its color pattern is quite variable. Some individuals have a zebra-like look while others appear more uniformly gray. Like all jumping spiders, the tree trunk spider has two large median eyes.

These flat-bodied jumping spiders are typically found on fence posts, tree trunks (especially shagbark hickories), screens and building walls. They often are seen on walls inside houses in late autumn. Their food items include flies, aphids, moths and other spiders.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platycryptus_undatus

Best regards,

Howard


Howard Russell, Entomologist Replied June 01, 2021, 9:50 AM EDT
Thank you, Howard! You confirmed our guesses!!

I had never seen this type of spider and was quite impressed with its appearance AND its lunch!

Kim Taylor-Papp



From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:50 AM
To: lktpapp <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Spider ID (#0022918)
 
The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 10:04 AM EDT

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