Mothercare Spider - Theridion sisyphium

Size 3 mm to 4 mm. The Mothercare spider has a very rounded abdomen which has distinctive black and white markings on the back and some orange-brown streaks on the underside.

Hedgerows and on various other vegetation. Often in gorse or thistles.

Spring to autumn.

The Mothercare spider gets its name from its caring nature towards its young. The blue-green egg sac is guarded by the female. When the babies hatch, the mother feeds them on regurgitated food. As they grow she shares larger food items with them. As with other species she will die before the young leave the nest and the young will eat her body.

Fairly common and widespread in Britain.

Quite frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

5806 British records to Jan 2013