Larinioides sclopetarius

Females reach a body length of about 10 mm, males are somewhat smaller. Generally black and white and sometimes velvet-like in appearance, prosoma (cephalothorax) grey (c.f. Larinioides cornutus - prosoma brown). 

Confirmation 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.

Usually found near water, often on man-made structures; rarely on vegetation.

Males can be found mostly during summer; females are active until November in central Europe.

They often hide during the day and wait for prey in the centre of their web at night.

Widespread in England and southern Wales, but less common and more local than the related L. cornutus.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

910 British records or this species to 2014.