Cucumber Green Orb Spider - Araniella cucurbitina sensu lato

There are two common Araniella species found in Leicestershire and Rutland: A. cucurbitina and A. opisthographa. Females grow up to 8 mm, males only up to 5 mm. They are a pale yellowish green in colour and have a red mark under the abdomen. They are hard to tell apart in the field and are often found together, expert help may be needed to be certain of correct identification between the two species. Sensu lato means that both species can be recorded under this tag where it is not possible to tell them apart.

Mainly along woodland edges, hedgerows and other well wooded areas.

Late Spring to Autumn.

They spin a small web between leaves and don't hide away but rely on colour for camouflage. Predatory mainly on flying insects caught in its orb web.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.