Zygiella x-notata

Zygiella x-notata females are up to 11mm in size, males up to 7mm. Variable in colour; the cephalothorax (first body section) is a translucent yellow brown; the opisthosoma (second body section or abdomen) has a leaf like pattern. Very difficult to distinguish from Z. atrica. Specimens found on window frames or car door mirrors are unlikely to be atrica (but it's not impossible), but those from vegetation could be either.  Zygiella x-notata and Zygiella atrica need to be separated by an expert for identification purposes. Please state where the specimen was found when submitting a record. 

Confirmation of this species may require examination of the genitals of mature specimens. 

Confirmation of this species may require examination of the genitals of mature specimens. 

This spider builds its web mostly into window frames, but can also be found on walls, fences, or under the bark of old trees. It is very common around boats and docks.

July to October, sometimes even into December.

It is a warmth-loving spider. Adult spiders build an orb web which has two sectors without connecting threads in one of the two upper corners. The signaling thread in the middle of these sectors leads to the spider's hideout. In the evening and at night, however, the spider sits in the centre of the web. It renews the web in the morning hours.

Widespread and common in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

5,028 British records for this species to 2015.