ADULT: Length - Male - 10 - 14mm, Female 8 - 9mm. A black to brown spider with distinct white markings. The appearance is velvety. BEHAVIOUR: Often hidden during the day and hunts at night where they wait for prey in the centre of their web. HABITAT: Wide ranging but very localised. DISTRIBUTION: Preference for buildings and fences near water, especially steel or wooden structures. PERIOD: All year round with warm summer evenings the best time to see.