Clubiona reclusa

Clubiona reclusa

Description

This is a medium sized, slightly elongated sac-spider. It is brownish in colour and has a rather velvety appearance.

Similar Species

Several other Clubiona species look very similar and identification requires high power magnification to examine the male palpal organs and genitalia.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • Prosoma red-brown to dark brown, margin black.
  • Legs yellowish.
  • Opisthosoma red-brown to dark brown with dark median line, bright haired.
  • Chelicerae red-brown.
  • Posterior epigynal margin nose-like.
Recording advice

Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification.

Habitat

The spider can be found amongst low vegetation and detritus in a wide range of habitats, most often in damp or marshy situations, but also scrub grassland, nettle beds, rubbish tips and heathland.

When to see it

Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally persisting into the autumn and winter.

Life History

The female can often be found with her eggs in a retreat constructed in a curled leaf held with silk.

UK Status

Common and widespread throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records