Black Lace-weaver Spider - Amaurobius ferox

Female to 16 mm; male to 12 mm. This spider usually has a dark abdomen with a wide and paler 'cardiac' mark but this is often reduced to a series of pale spots.

Often found in cellars, houses and gardens.

Adult females all year; males in spring and autumn.

Builds an irregular, lace-like web around a rudimentary funnel.

It is widespread and frequent in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

1,311 British records for this species to 2015.