Agroeca proxima

Body length male: 3.8 to 5 mm. Body length female: 5.2 to 7.5 mm. Opisthosoma brown-grey to light yellow-brown with distinct chevrons. 

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

This nocturnal hunter is ground living with a preference for fairly dry habitats amongst leaf litter, grasses, heather and other low vegetation. It is one of the commonest species on heathland.

Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late summer and autumn, occasionally into late winter and spring with females persisting into the summer.

The species produces distinctive egg sacs, which are probably noted more often than the adults. The egg sacs are shaped like an upside down wine glass, and are hung from any vegetation, including the trunks and lower branches of trees. They are often covered with debris by the female, which helps to camouflage them.

The species is widely distributed throughout Britain and fairly common.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Agroeca+proxima