Knowledgebase
Spider ID #752987
Asked May 30, 2021, 6:29 PM EDT
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
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 9:50 AM
To: lktpapp <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Spider ID (#0022918)