Talavera aequipes

Talavera aequipes is a small jumping spider. There are very similar species, but this species is the most frequent of these spiders in our area.

Identification of 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.

This little spider is found in warm, open, sunny habitats with bare surfaces, such as short turf on downs, sandy or stony banks, and quarries or old railway embankments.

Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July.

It is small enough to reside comfortably in snail shells of down to 5 mm length during winter, where they also lay their eggs.

The species is widely distributed in Britain but with only a few scattered records in the west and north.  It is generally local and rather uncommon, but is more frequent in southern counties.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.