Goldenrod crab spider by hedera.baltica via Flickr Zebra Jumping Spider ( Salticus scenicus) The female is much larger than the male.ĭid you know? This species can change its body colour to match its background! It takes a few days to occur, but it helps to disguise the spider as they sit and wait for their prey to land near them. Their abdomen is bulbous and their front legs have a crab-like appearance, hence their name. What to look for: The goldenrod crab spider has some colour variation, appearing white, yellow or green, They often have red lines on either side of their abdomen.

Common candy-striped spider by Judy Gallagher via Flickr Goldenrod (Flower) Crab Spider ( Misumena vatia) Confirmation of the species usually requires examination under a microscope. In the field, it is incredibly difficult to distinguish this species from a similar species, the scarce candy-striped spider ( Enoplognatha latimana). Their cephalothorax (fused head and thorax) is a pale yellow colour, with a dark line down the middle, and their legs are also a similar pale yellow. The pattern on it can be bright pinkish-purple in a V shape pointing towards the head, a solid pinkish-purple triangle, black lines that can be either thick or thin, or a variation of black marks and spots. Their abdomen usually has a pale creamish-white background. What to look for: The common candy-striped spider has several colour variations. Noble false widow by Martin Cooper via Flickr Common Candy-Striped Spider ( Enoplognatha ovata) The bites have been compared to a wasp sting, however guidance should be sort if you are concerned about a bite. Despite many rumours, bites from this species are rare, usually occurring when the spider is disturbed. Usually cream and dark brown marks that can sometimes resemble a skull.ĭid you know? This is a non-native species in the UK and was thought to be introduced in the late 1800s. Their body is dark brown, with variable patterns on their abdomen.

What to look for: This species can be confused with many other UK species. Garden spider ( left and right) by xulescu_g via Flickr Noble False Widow ( Steatoda nobilis)ĭistribution: Widespread across southern England, with their range increasing northwards They have striped legs, and females are twice the size of males. They can also sometimes be bright orange. What to look for: These spiders are greyish-brown or reddish-brown with a white pattern across their back that resembles a cross. Garden Spider or Cross Orbweaver ( Araneus diadematus) In this article, we’ll show you several fairly common species that you may find in your garden or local green space. There are also lots of field guides and books available for more information on different types of spiders. To survey for spiders, you can search by eye or you can use equipment such as a sweep net or a sampling tray, and a hand lens can help you pick out features on smaller species. You can also use your location as a clue, as some species are more likely to be found in certain parts of the UK. In some cases, it is necessary to take a closer look at the genitalia under a microscope, as this can be the only way to confidently identify certain species. The colouration and pattern of a spider can be a useful way to identify them, as well as other key features such as the structure of their webs.

Identifying spiders can often be difficult, as they are very small, elusive, and many species resemble one another. While many spiders are present throughout the year, autumn is the best time to see them outdoors. There are over 650 species of spider within the UK, and although many may find spiders unappealing or even frightening, they are fascinating in their own right.

Iragi translucent spider