September 15, 2025

I am a spider in the family Selenopidae

We are also known as "flatties"

I was hiding the crown of a pineapple

And wouldn't come out, which drove Dee batty!

(They are called "flatties" because they can fit in very tight places, including the base of the pineapple crown. It took me about 10 minutes after I picked the pineapple to coax her safely off the pineapple and onto another plant where she would be much happier than in my kitchen.)

Location: Fellsmere, FL, My House

Sources: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/pineapple

https://bugeric.blogspot.com/2013/03/spider-sunday-flatties.html

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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August 28, 2023

I am a spider in the family Selenopidae, 

Commonly known as Flattie. 

My legs extend sideways and are twisted up, 

So I can lay flat and also move at great speed.

Location: Private residence, Sebastian

Sources: http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2013/03/spider-sunday-flatties.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 5, 2023

I am a spider in the Selenops genus.

Due to the half-moon layout of our eyes

We're also known as Crescent-eyed Spiders.

I'm harmless to humans despite my large size.

Location: My bathroom ceiling, Fellsmere

Sources: http://bugeric.blogspot.com/2013/03/spider-sunday-flatties.html

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson