Best time to see: Jul to end Oct
Key facts
A striking large spider with wasp-like markings, probably designed to deter predators
Once confined to the south coast this spider has recently extended its range northwards, including into Essex
Habitat: rough unmanaged grassland or open scrub
Recognition
Females 12-15mm long with distinctive black and yellow stripes; males much smaller and brown in colour
Spin their webs, with a distinctive zig-zag pattern running vertically, between plant stems in rough grassland
Eats flying insects such as bees, and also grasshoppers and crickets
Lifecycle
Male mates with the female just after she has shed her skin and has soft jaws, but often gets eaten after mating anyway
Egg sac is constructed on grass leaves, so the species only survives where the vegetation is not cut regularly
© Tony Gunton