Heliophanus flavipes

A small species at around 5 mm. A striking spider with a dark body covered with numerous paler hairs which are sometimes golden. Its legs and palps are a golden lemony yellow in colour.

The male is similar to H. cupreus.

It may occur on low vegetation and the shrub layer, or on lower branches of trees, but always shows a preference for sunny conditions.

Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July, females occasionally persisting into September.

The species is local but widespread in much of the southern half of Britain and central eastern Scotland, but very scattered or absent in upland areas and much of the north.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

2289 British records to Jan 2013