Zebra jumping spider vs Tan jumping spider
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a zebra jumping spider from a tan jumping spider, and whether either one bites or stings.
Zebra jumping spider
Salticus scenicus
Tan jumping spider
Platycryptus undatus
≠The key differences
Smaller with high-contrast black-and-white striped pattern and rounder abdomen; typically seen on vertical walls but pattern and size help separate it from Platycryptus undatus.
⚖︎Side by side
| Zebra jumping spider | Tan jumping spider | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Mild bite |
| Size | Males 4-6 mm, females 5-7 mm body length | About 8-13 mm body length |
| Colours | Black, White, Metallic green (chelicerae, sometimes) | Tan, Brown, Black, White |
| Family | Salticidae | Salticidae |
| Habitat | Sunny vertical surfaces (stone, brick, wooden walls), fences, window frames, garden structures; also occasional inside buildings near windows | Vertical rough surfaces: tree bark, wooden fences, decks, porches, siding and outdoor structures; sometimes inside buildings near windows and doors. |
| Range | Native and widespread across Europe; also common in North America and parts of Asia (Holarctic distribution) | Mainly eastern and central North America (United States and southern Canada), with scattered records further west; commonly found in suburban and rural areas. |
| Active | Diurnal and most active in warm months (spring to early autumn); hunts by day | Daytime-active (diurnal); most commonly seen in spring through fall in temperate regions. |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a zebra jumping spider
- Distinct black-and-white 'zebra' bands on the body and legs
- Very large forward-facing central eyes compared with other spiders
- Stout, compact body and noticeably jerky, leaping movement when hunting
- Usually found on sunny vertical surfaces like walls and window frames
🔍How to spot a tan jumping spider
- Look for a compact, flattened body with broad tan-brown dorsal bands and a pale median stripe or chevron on the abdomen.
- Found on vertical rough surfaces like tree bark or fences; active during the day and often seen moving in short hops.
- Large forward-facing eyes typical of jumping spiders; body length about 8-13 mm.
- Legs and body often show mottled banding that breaks up the outline against bark.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a zebra jumping spider and a tan jumping spider?
Smaller with high-contrast black-and-white striped pattern and rounder abdomen; typically seen on vertical walls but pattern and size help separate it from Platycryptus undatus.
Is a zebra jumping spider or a tan jumping spider more dangerous?
Zebra jumping spider: Non-toxic. Tan jumping spider: Mild bite. Salticus scenicus is not dangerous. Jumping spiders like Platycryptus undatus have venom for subduing prey but bites to humans are rare and typically cause only minor, localized pain, redness or itching, like a mild pinprick.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.