Mangora acalypha

ADULT: Males reach up to 3mm in length, females can be up to 6mm in length. A neat looking little spider with a light greenish cephalothorax that has a black margin and median stripe. The sternum is almost black and the legs are yellowish. To further confirm the ID of this species note the 2 rows of plumose trichobothria on the 3rd tibia, and whitish yellow abdomen that can be somewhat greenish. The "Cricket Bat" marking found on the abdomen consists of 3 rows of black spots followed by longitudinal stripes, with the remaining pattern irregular, mostly consisting of longitudinal stripes. BEHAVIOUR: This smart spider can usually be seen in the centre of its small and densely woven orb web. This web is more often than not found constructed within low vegetation. HABITAT: Found on heathland and in open woodland. DISTRIBUTION: Well distributed through southern England and Wales but rarely found elsewhere. PERIOD: Adults are best seen during May and June.