Length 3 to 5mm. Prosoma reddish yellow, or brown with dark median band, margin not darkened. Sternum dark brown. Chelicerae dark brown. Legs yellow-orange. Opisthosoma grey, mostly with almost black folium dorsally, with bright pairs of spots along median line, folium in females sometimes only vague.

Microscopic examination of genitalia is required to confirm this species. 

Restricted in its habitat requirement, generally only occurring in well-established or ancient broad-leaved and mixed woodlands.

Spring-Autumn.

Widespread but scattered in Britain.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.

http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Pachygnatha+listeri