Mouse Spider - Scotophaeus blackwalli

Description

Approximately 9 to 12 mms long. The Mouse Spider gets its name from the grey coloured abdomen which is covered in tiny hairs and resembles mouse fur. 3 dorsal spines on femur III & IV.

Similar Species

Scotophaeus scutulatus (rare) - 2 dorsal spines (proximal and median, no distal spine) on femur III & IV.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

A clear photo showing the spines on the upper surface of femur III &/or IV is required.

Habitat

In southern Britain they are found in gardens and houses. In the north they are found mainly indoors.

When to see it

All year, more frequently in summer and autumn.

Life History

This species does not create a web, instead it wanders about in search of prey - usually at night. It is an ambush predator that feeds on small insects.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Further Information

942 British records to Jan 2013

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Spiders
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Araneae
Family:
Gnaphosidae
Records on NatureSpot:
77
First record:
12/01/1994 (Jon Daws)
Last record:
07/01/2025 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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