ARACHNIDA > ARANEAE > Anyphaenidae

This small family includes just three species in a single genus. They are eight-eyed and superficially similar in both appearance and body shape to the Clubionidae, but can be distinguished by their distinctive abdominal markings.

Up to a few years ago there was only one species on the British list, Anyphaena accentuata, but that changed in 2014 with the discovery of a new species Anyphaena sabina in London and then again in 2017 with yet another variant Anyphaena numida again from sites in London. All three species are virtually indistinguishable and, consequently, the 'rules' state that they cannot be reliably identified from photos. That may be so for official recording, but seeing that the other two species are both extremely rare and, as yet, have never been recorded outside of the London area, it's pretty safe to assume that any species that I'm likely to see is going to be Anyphaena accentuata.

They are pale brown in colour with a prominent pair of darker lateral bands with small pale streaks on the carapace either side of a paler median band. They are identified though, by the characteristic double, backward facing, arrow or chevron-like dark markings towards the rear of the abdomen. 

These species do not spin webs as they are found in trees and shrubs where they run rapidly over the foliage in pursuit of prey. During the mating season, typically in May, the males drum out messages to the females by vibrating their abdomen on the surface of a leaf, which emits a clearly audible buzzing noise, hence the common name of buzzing spiders.

Anyphaena accentuata is a common and widespread species across central and southern Britain, but becoming far more scarce further north.

New family added, July 22 (v.1)