Turf Running-spider - Philodromus cespitum
The appearance of this species is less crab-like than the Xysticus, with a narrower head and body and the legs are of a more even thickness. Markings are variable so care has to be taken with identification.
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.
Amongst low vegetation
Spring to autumn but peaking May to July.
It is an agile hunter and feeds on small insects such as flies
Common and widespread over much of Britain
Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.
4365 British records to Jan 2013
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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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:
- Philodromidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 43
- First record:
- 23/06/1979 (Don Goddard)
- Last record:
- 19/06/2024 (Calow, Graham)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
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