ARACHNIDA > ARANEAE > Araneidae

The final page for this family covers the remaining species that I've seen and photographed.

Agalenatea redii

An extremely variable species with very different abdominal markings that result in three colour/pattern forms. The most frequently seen is the mottled-brown form as the individual featured below. A much darker variant with a pair of conspicuous white markings at the front of the abdomen, and a greyish form with a large dark abdominal patch edged with white, may also be encountered. Although three distinct varients are described, other forms may occasionally be seen. Agalenatea redii is predominantly a central and southern species most likely to be found on heather and gorse, but also occurs in rough grassland. The main association though is with gorse, hence the common name of the Gorse Orbweb Spider.

Neoscona adianta

Commonly known as the Beautiful Orbweb Spider due to its colourful, albeit variable appearance and distinctly marked abdomen. The species is relatively common and widespread in the south-east and across southern heathland areas, but with only scattered and primarily coastal distribution elsewhere, north to Yorkshire. It occurs in a variety of open habitats, particularly heathland and grasslands. The photos below feature a couple of small, slim males with a carapace that's much the same size as their abdomen and a much larger, well-rounded, presumably gravid female.

Nuctenea umbratica  

This mottled dark brown species, commonly known as the Walnut Orbweb Spider, has a distinctly flattened appearance with a somewhat leathery appearance. They are reasonably common, but not that often photographed as they hide themselves away during the day and usually only emerge at night. I only found the individual featured below because I must have accidently disturbed it while clearing an area of the garden.

Larinioides cornutus

There are three species of Larinioides, which are collectively known as 'foliate orbweb spiders', with Larinioides cornutus being the most abundant and widespread. Although they all have some association with water, Larinioides cornutus is the species most likely to be found on lakeside vegetation, whereas Larinioides sclopetarius constructs its web on metalwork, such as bridges, railings or other man-made structures. The final species Larinioides patagiatus is nationally scarce and prefers drier habitats so, although all three are extremely similar, they can at least be distinguished as 'likely' based on where they were found.

Mangora acalypha

A small, pale coloured, attractive species with distinctive reticulated abdominal markings, comprising a dark, broken median stripe with further dark longitudinal bands either side posteriorly that if complete form a rectangular shape that is reminiscent of a cricket bat. Mangora acalypha is primarily a southern species that occurs on heathland, downland and in open woodland habitats.                       

Cyclosa conica

If viewed from the right angle, this particular species is easily recognised in the field by the elongated hump at the rear of the abdomen. Its orb web includes a stabilising thread, which is usually covered with food remains that apparently provides camouflage when the spider is sitting in the web waiting for prey. This rather unusual habit has resulted in the common name Trashline Spider.

Zygiella x-notata

There are two superficially similar species in this genus, both with a translucent pale brown carapace with a dark central band and head, and an oval abdomen that is variable in both colour and patterning. If well-formed, the large, dark-edged folium is very distinctive. The colour of the folium is described as silvery-grey in Zygiella x-notata and in Zygiella atrica as having a silvery inner area, with the former having slate grey 'shoulders', whereas in the latter they're distinctly pinkish red. The photos of representative specimens in the field guide look just like they're described, but the two individuals I've photographed don't match the colour plan. Fortunately, the habitat preferences of the two species are completely different. Whereas Zygiella x-notata is very much associated with human habitation, Zygiella atricaoccurs mainly on open ground typically spinning its web in thorn bushes or gorse rather than on buildings around doors, window frames or under gutters, or on fences. Both species are common with widespread distribution, but with Zygiella x-notata being the most frequently recorded.

Updated, Jan.25 (v.5)