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National Distribution

About this species

Distribution
The species is widespread in much of southern England and coastal Wales. It is very scattered in northern England and not recorded from Scotland. It is widespread in western and central Europe as far north as southern Norway.

Habitat and ecology
This species is found in the vegetation of rough uncut grassland, uncultivated field edges and low bushes of gorse and heather where it spins a large conspicuous sheet web with a funnel retreat on or above the ground. The spider waits down the end of the tubular retreat for prey, largely grasshoppers, to alight and become entangled on the web whereupon it rushes out and takes the prey down the tube for consumption. In late summer the female builds a large and very elaborate chamber in the vegetation to enclose her eggs. The labyrinth of passages within its dense white walls have earned the spider her name of labyrinthica (Bristowe 1958). Adults of both sexes are found mainly in July and August, females later.

Status
Common in the south of England.

Original author of profile: D. Marriott

Text based on Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional atlas of British spiders (Arachnida, Araneae), Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre.  References

Adult Season

Habitats

background methodology

Recorded management for locations with Agelena labyrinthica

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Agelena labyrinthica

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