Best time to see: May to end Jul
Key facts
This spider gets its name because the females constructs a web to protect its young rather than to catch food
Mainly found in woodland, but also in long grass and sometimes hedgerows
Common and widespread throughout Britain
Recognition
Females 12-15mm long and males a bit smaller; grey, orange or brown with a pointed abdomen
Often sit with their front and back legs together pointing up and down a leaf, waiting for prey to wander past
Eats small insects, and sometimes other spiders
Lifecycle
Male catches an insect and presents it to the female before mating, to avoid getting eaten himself
Female carries her eggs around in a pea-sized egg sac until they are ready to hatch
Constructs a tent-like nursery web then stays to protect it from predators
© Tony Gunton
© Tony Gunton
© Tony Gunton