Spiders
Spiders are easily distinguished from other arthropods as they have 8 legs, 2 main body parts and no antennae. You are more likely to encounter one in your house in autumn as this is the breeding season for many species and males often wander in, searching for a mate. Most large or unfamiliar-looking spiders in the UK are actually common established species.
Below are some of the spiders our Identification and Advisory Service team is most often asked about. Select one to find out more, including identification clues.
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Garden spider, Araneus diadematus
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Walnut orb weaver spider, Nuctenea umbratica
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House spider, genus Tegenaria
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Tube web spider, Segestria florentina
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Rabbit hutch spider, Steatoda bipunctata
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Cellar spider, Steatoda grossa
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Biting spider or noble false widow spider, Steatoda nobilis
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Flower crab spider, Misumena vatia
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Nursery web spider, Pisaura mirabilis
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Missing sector orb weaver spider, Zygiella x-notata
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Candystripe spider, Enoplognatha ovata
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European cave spider, Meta menardi
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Woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata
Can't find your spider?
If you want help identifying a spider but can't see it in this gallery, you can post your own image and ask our experts and enthusiasts in the Bug forum.
