Erigone atra

Erigone atra is only about 2 to 2.5 millimeters. The abdomen is covered with short hair whilst the forebody is hairless and has a smooth glossy surface. In the male, the eye region is greatly increased. The legs in both sexes are coloured uniformly brown.

Found at ground level on low vegetation and under the bark of fallen trees or under stones.

Adults can be found at all times of the year, with peak numbers in summer.

When weather conditions are suitable it stands on outstretched legs with the tip of its abdomen pointing in the air. It lets out a line of silk which, if the air currents are favourable, lifts the spider to considerable heights and conveys it to a new location. Such a procedure means that some perish on the journey or land in unsuitable places. This is when many people discover these money spiders on their person or in close proximity.

One of most common spiders, it is widespread throughout most of Britain, possibly becoming more scattered in the north.

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

13,716 British records for this species to 2015.