Summary for Nuctenea umbratica (Araneae)

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National Distribution

 
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Nuctenea umbratica sheltering in Common Reed Copyright: David Hubble
Identification difficulty rating: 2
Name: Nuctenea umbratica
Authority: (Clerck, 1757)
Order: Arachnida: Araneae
Family: Araneidae
IUCN status: LC

Records: 5907
First Record: 1820
Latest Record: 2024

1992-on hectads: 992
Pre-1992 hectads: 469
Total hectads: 1170

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About this species

Recorded altitude range
0m to 750m

Species text

Distribution
The species is widespread in Britain, but is scattered in the north and rare in northern Scotland. It is widespread in western and central Europe.

Habitat and ecology
The spider conceals itself under bark and in fissures in posts and fences during the daytime. In some areas it is a common resident of window and door frames. The body is flattened and this assists the spider to secrete itself in the cracks and fissures. This spider is nocturnal and builds a conspicuous orb web between its retreat and surrounding vegetation. Whilst the web is usually empty during the day, the spider can be found hidden away nearby. Adults of both sexes are found mainly between late spring and autumn, but females and occasionally males can be found during the winter.

Status
Common.

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

Adult Season Data (based on 973 records with adult season information)


Habitats

background methodology

Broad Habitat Data (based on 1556 records with habitat information)

Broad subhabitat Data (based on 108 records with subhabitat information)

Structural Habitat Data (based on 195 records with structural habitat information)

Habitat Detail and Method (based on 676 records with habitat detail and method information)

Recorded management for locations with Nuctenea umbratica

Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Nuctenea umbratica

Images

Walnut Orb-weaver
Walnut Orb-weaver
Nuctenea umbratica-Chilterns
Nuctenea umbratica-Chilterns
Walnut orb weaver in garden 05.09.18
Walnut orb weaver in garden 05.09.18
Walnut orb weaver in garden 31.08.18
Walnut orb weaver in garden 31.08.18
orb web spider Nuctenea umbratica
orb web spider Nuctenea umbratica
Toad Spider
Toad Spider
Walnut orb weaver
Walnut orb weaver
Nuctenea umbratica in crevice on garden statue
Nuctenea umbratica in crevice on garden statue
NOT falseblackwidow
NOT falseblackwidow
Black spider - Help to Identify Please
Black spider - Help to Identify Please
Nuctenea umbratica
Nuctenea umbratica
Nuctenea umbratica  on back trellis...
Nuctenea umbratica on back trellis...
Sun bathing Nuctenea umbratica Walnut Orb Weaver
Sun bathing Nuctenea umbratica Walnut Orb Weaver
Nucteana umbratica with Egg Sac under tree bark
Nucteana umbratica with Egg Sac under tree bark
Nuctenea umbratica on Fence post
Nuctenea umbratica on Fence post
Nuctenea umbratica Moulting 2
Nuctenea umbratica Moulting 2
Nuctenea umbratica Moulting
Nuctenea umbratica Moulting
Nuctenea umbratica sheltering in Common Reed
Nuctenea umbratica sheltering in Common Reed
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