Zygiella x-notata
This record describes Zygiella x-notata (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Zygiella x-notata females are up to 11mm in size, males up to 7mm. Variable in colour; the cephalothorax (first body section) is a translucent yellow brown; the opisthosoma (second body section or abdomen) has a leaf like pattern. Very difficult to distinguish from Z. atrica . Specimens found on window frames or car door mirrors are unlikely to be atrica (but it's not impossible), but those from vegetation could be either. Zygiella x-notata and Zygiella atrica need to be separated by an expert for identification purposes. Please state where the specimen was found when submitting a record. Confirmation of this species may require examination of the genitals of mature specimens. Confirmation of this species may require examination of the genitals of mature specimens. This spider builds its web mostly into window frames, but can also be found on walls, fences, or under the bark of old trees. It is very common around boats and docks. July to October, sometimes even into December. It is a warmth-loving spider. Adult spiders build an orb web which has two sectors without connecting threads in one of the two upper corners. The signaling thread in the middle of these sectors leads to the spider's hideout. In the evening and at night, however, the spider sits in the centre of the web. It renews the web in the morning hours. 5,028 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This spider builds its web mostly into window frames, but can also be found on walls, fences, or under the bark of old trees. It is very common around boats and docks.
Seasonal Activity
July to October, sometimes even into December.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a warmth-loving spider. Adult spiders build an orb web which has two sectors without connecting threads in one of the two upper corners. The signaling thread in the middle of these sectors leads to the spider's hideout. In the evening and at night, however, the spider sits in the centre of the web. It renews the web in the morning hours.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Zygiella x-notata. 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 Zygiella x-notata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zygiella x-notata
What is Zygiella x-notata?
Zygiella x-notata is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Zygiella x-notata?
purposes. Please state where the specimen was found when submitting a record.
Where is Zygiella x-notata found?
Habitat: This spider builds its web mostly into window frames, but can also be found on walls, fences, or under the bark of old trees. It is very common around boats and docks.
When is Zygiella x-notata active?
Zygiella x-notata: seasonal activity - July to October, sometimes even into December..
What is the life cycle of a Zygiella x-notata?
It is a warmth-loving spider. Adult spiders build an orb web which has two sectors without connecting threads in one of the two upper corners. The signaling thread in the middle of these sectors leads to the spider's hideout. In the evening and at night, however, the spider sits in the centre of the web. It renews the web in the morning hours.