Pirate Spider

Special features: If you look closely you'll see this spider has a patch over one its eyes.

Okay, that's a lie. It actually gets its name from it's habit of invading the webs of other spiders to feed. They tweak the strands of the webs to lure the occupants out, and then attack and eat them.

It has banded legs and two distinctive white spots on the abdomen. The abdomen also features two tubercles which look like a pair of conical bumps when viewed from the side.

Latin name: Ero cambridgei

Size: Size approximately 4mm.

Distribution: Found throughout the UK.

Months seen: Spring to late summer.

Habitat: Hedgerows, and low growing vegetation.

Food: Spiders.