Sheet Weavers
European sheetweb spider (Linyphia triangularis)
Web: Sheetweb with ascending threads above the sheet and stabilizing threads underneath.
Habitat: not selective at all. Can be found in many different habitats, as long as there is a possibility to construct a web. Usually in vegetation, such as higher grass, herbs and shrubs. Usually between 30 cm from the ground, ranging up to 2 m.
How to recognize:
- dark midstripe in the shape of a tuning fork on the cephalothorax
- typical dark drawing on the abdomen (fades with age as the rest of the abdomen gets darker).
- adult male has large, diverging jaws
- one of our largest sheetweb spiders
Looks similar to:
- ao. Linyphia tenuipalpis and Pityohypanthes phrygianus (both much more rare)
Size
♀: 5-7mm
♂: 4,6-7mm
When?
♀: From middle of August till end of October, sometimes until December. Lives longer than male
♂: From middle of August till end of October
Herb hammock spider (Neriene clathrata)
Web: Relatively thin sheetweb.
Habitat: Many different habitats, such as roadsides, brushwood, parcs and gardens. Most often low to the ground. Adult males can often be found in litter.
How to recognize:
- ♀: typical dark drawing on back of abdomen with W-shaped figures. Sides are lob shaped.
- ♂: back drawing is almost not recognisable in adult males, however, two white spots on the front stand out.
Looks similar to:
- adult males are easily confused with other related species of which males have two white spots (Microlinyphia pusilla and the Herb hammock spider (Neriene clathrata) on the front of the abdomen. However, the abdomen of the Herb hammock spider has a much more oval shape.
- sometimes the legs of the Herb hammock spider are also annulated, in which case it can be confused with the Spring hammock spider.
Size
♀: 3,7-5,5 mm
♂: 3,4-4,8 mm
When?
♀: throughout the year
♂: March till June
Linyphia hortensis
Web: Sheetweb with ascending threads above the sheet and stabilizing threads underneath. Hangmatweb (thinner and smaller compared tot he European sheetweb spider)
Habitat: Parcs and gardens, often in higher grass, herbs and shrubs. Usually between 30 cm from ground level, ranging up to 2 m.
How to recognize:
- glossy abdomen with white edges and dark underside
- ♀: typical dark drawing on back of the abdomen (not always clearly present)
- ♂: Drawing on the back is often almost invisible in adult males en reduced to two white spots on the front of the abdomen.
Looks similar to:
- especially adult males are easily confused with other related species of which males have two white spots (Microlinyphia pusilla and the Herb hammock spider (Neriene clathrata) on the front of the abdomen.
Size
♀: 4-6mm
♂: 3-5mm
When?
♀: May till July
♂: April till June
Platform hammock spider (Neriene peltata)
Web: Relatively thin sheetweb.
Habitat: Parcs and gardens, mainly in bushes.
How to recognize:
- typical dark drawing on backside of abdomen
- cephalothorax often with clearly visible dark triangle (point of the triangle is oriented towards the back).
Looks similar to:
- the Filmy dome spider (Neriene radiata), but the cephalothorax of this species is differently coloured (lacks the triangle and with a lighter edge).
Size
♀: 3-5mm
♂: 2,2-3,5mm
When?
♀: May till July
♂: April till June
Spring hammock spider (Neriene montana)
Web: Often fairly large and robust sheet web. Most related species can be found hanging underneath the sheet part of the web, however, the Spring hammock spider can most often be found in a retreat (crevice, behind bark,…). The silk is more dens, closer to the retreat.
Habitat: Shaded areas, often against “dense” structures (hollow log, pile of branches, wall), less in “green” vegetation.
How to recognize:
- clearly annulated legs
- typical dark drawing on back of abdomen
- bigger than the other Neriene species.
Looks similar to:
- upon close inspection not really to be confused with other species.
Size
♀: 5-8mm
♂: 4-7mm
When?
♀: throughout the year
♂: April till June
