Xysticus ulmi

Description

The broad cross line across its abdomen is characteristic.

Similar Species

A sexually dimorphic species, with the male being much darker than the female. It is very similar to X. cristatus though usually has a more elongated abdomen. The epigyne and male palpal organs are the distinctive features.

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

Confirmation requires microscopic examination of the genitalia of adult specimens. 

Recording advice

Identification 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.

Habitat

This crab spider prefers damp habitats.

When to see it

Seen mainly in spring and early summer.

Life History

Does not build a web but lies in wait for prey.

UK Status

Quite common and widespread in most of England and Wales, but less frequent further north.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Further Information

1421 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:
Thomisidae
Records on NatureSpot:
16
First record:
14/05/2004 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
11/05/2024 (Cann, Alan)

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.

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