Spiders
Spiders are a distinct group of arthropods that includes house spiders, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, crab spiders, orb web spiders and money spiders.
Spiders are easily identified as they have 8 legs, 2 main body parts and no antennae. All are predators of other invertebrates which are either caught in silk webs or ambushed.
Most people are familiar with the larger species of spider. During the breeding season, which for many species is in the autumn, male spiders wander in search of a mate. They become more conspicuous at these times and more likely to enter houses.
Almost all large or unfamiliar looking spiders found in our homes and gardens are common established UK species. There are occasional exceptions, so if in doubt, ask for a confirmed identification. No UK spiders are of significant medical concern.
Spiders are predators of other invertebrates and play an important role controlling some very prolific species.
Number of UK species: about 640
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| Discussions | Views | Replies | Last reply |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUBE WEB and ‘ACCOMPANYING SPIDER' 10 weeks 3 hours ago by Microbe | 48 | 2 | 6 weeks 5 days ago by Microbe |
| Crab Spdier ? 8 weeks 4 days ago by DGregor | 54 | 3 | 7 weeks 3 days ago by DGregor |
| 1mm Spider 8 weeks 4 days ago by DGregor | 26 | 0 | n/a |
| Identification help 11 weeks 6 days ago by sockmonitor | 66 | 2 | 8 weeks 4 days ago by sockmonitor |
| Please help identify this. Found in jacket in wardrobe 9 weeks 3 days ago by devongunner | 49 | 3 | 9 weeks 14 hours ago by jaguarondi |
| Stripey spider in centre of web? 20 weeks 11 hours ago by scaredofspiders | 320 | 6 | 10 weeks 3 hours ago by Microbe |
| Large Garden Spider 15 weeks 5 hours ago by SparkyMark | 81 | 2 | 10 weeks 3 hours ago by Microbe |
| identification please 15 weeks 2 days ago by IsabelinDown | 99 | 2 | 12 weeks 5 days ago by Spider |
| is this a black widow or false 13 weeks 6 days ago by redkev | 85 | 1 | 12 weeks 5 days ago by Spider |
| Is this normal spider? 14 weeks 1 day ago by LisaEB | 106 | 1 | 13 weeks 6 days ago by jaguarondi |