Female to 16 mm; male to 12 mm. This spider usually has a dark abdomen with a wide and paler 'cardiac' mark but this is often reduced to a series of pale spots.

The intensity of dorsal marking varies and it can easily be mistaken for the other members of this genus. 

Often found in cellars, houses and gardens.

Adult females all year; males in spring and autumn.

Builds an irregular, lace-like web around a rudimentary funnel.

It is widespread and frequent in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

1,311 British records for this species to 2015.