Nursery Web Spider - Pisaura mirabilis

Male length: 10-13 mm. Female length: 12-15 mm. They vary in colour from grey through orange to dark brown. The abdomen is slender and is divided by a pale line and there are pale 'tear marks' at the sides of its eyes.

Usually found in long grass or other dense vegetation.

Peak season for adults is between May and July, but may be recorded in most months of the year.

It likes to sunbathe and typically holds its front two pairs of legs together pointing forwards. During mating the male presents the female with a carefully wrapped insect as a present. The female carries her eggs in a ball shaped, pea-sized sack with her. Just before the babies hatch she builds a silk tent and puts them inside for protection. Feeds on flies and other small insects. It uses quick sprinting and strength to overpower its prey.

Widespread throughout much of Britain, though less records from the north.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.