Clubiona reclusa

This is a medium sized, slightly elongated sac-spider. It is brownish in colour and has a rather velvety appearance.

Several other Clubiona species look very similar and identification requires high power magnification to examine the male palpal organs and genitalia.

• Prosoma red-brown to dark brown, margin black.
• Legs yellowish.
• Opisthosoma red-brown to dark brown with dark median line, bright haired.
• Chelicerae red-brown.
• Posterior epigynal margin nose-like.

Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification.

The spider can be found amongst low vegetation and detritus in a wide range of habitats, most often in damp or marshy situations, but also scrub grassland, nettle beds, rubbish tips and heathland.

Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally persisting into the autumn and winter.

The female can often be found with her eggs in a retreat constructed in a curled leaf held with silk.

Common and widespread throughout Britain.

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

5,849 British records for this species to 2015.