Lace-weaver Spider
Amaurobius similis
This record describes Amaurobius similis (species). Recorded family: Amaurobiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Female to 12 mm; male to 8 mm. Distinctive, with a glossy brown carapace and legs and a velvety abdomen with a dark anterior wedge-shaped marking surrounded by cream. It often lives around buildings where it occupies holes in walls, fences, window frames, etc. This species is very similar to A. fenestralis and the two cannot reliably be distinguished by eye. If in a garden or associated with houses then it is more likely to be A. similis , however if in woodland it more likely to be A. fenestralis . However, habitats overlap so this species: Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Frequently seen around houses and gardens. These spiders produce a bluish coloured silk around the entrance to holes and crevices on just about every wall you look at. Adult females all year; males from June to November. 3,759 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Amaurobiidae (Hacklemesh Weavers)
- Genus
- Amaurobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
overlap so this species: "Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia." Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press.
Seasonal Activity
Adult females all year; males from June to November.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and frequent in Britain
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Amaurobius similis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lace-weaver Spider (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lace-weaver Spider
What is Lace-weaver Spider?
Lace-weaver Spider (Amaurobius similis) is a species in the family Amaurobiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Lace-weaver Spider found?
Habitat: overlap so this species: Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press.
When is Lace-weaver Spider active?
Lace-weaver Spider: seasonal activity - Adult females all year; males from June to November..