Tetragnatha montana

Description

This is a very difficult species to identify as there are other similar species and certain identification requires detailed examination. If we cannot be certain that an image is T. montana but it is likely to be this species, it is highlighted in a red box.

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

Tetragnatha are difficult to identify and microscopic examination of the genitals of mature specimens is necessary to separate the species safely. 

Recording advice

Tetragnatha are difficult to identify and microscopic examination of the genitals of mature specimens is necessary to separate the species safely. 

Habitat

Orb webs of this species are found on trees, bushes and low vegetation in a variety of habitats, mostly at low altitudes. It may be found close to water but is less closely associated with wetland habitats than T. extensa.

When to see it

March to September.

Life History

All the Tetragnatha species adopt the habit of stretching their legs out in front and behind to produce a stick like effect and can be very difficult to detect.

UK Status

Very common and widespread in southern Britain, becoming scattered in the north.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Further Information

6581 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:
Tetragnathidae
Records on NatureSpot:
45
First record:
23/06/1979 (Don Goddard)
Last record:
03/07/2024 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records