Horse-head spider - Stemonyphantes lineatus

Relatively easy to identify, this is a stunningly marked and colourful spider. The pinkish mottled body has a darker central band of varying strength. The head is light brown and also has a darker central line.

Usually found at or near ground level in a wide variety of habitats such as grassland, especially chalk downland, occurring in rabbit burrows, beneath overhanging grass tussocks, under stones and detritus, and in gardens. Occasionally found on taller vegetation.

All year, with peaks between April and June and also in September and October.

The species is widespread in much of England, but scattered and patchy in some areas, and more scattered in Wales and Scotland.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

3569 British records to Jan 2013