Male 4.2 to 6.2 mm. Prosoma black, with Y-shaped light brown markings, eye region light brown.  Opisthosoma with black folium with white transverse and lateral lines. Female 6 to 8 mm. Prosoma and legs light brown with dark brown markings. Opisthosoma with brown folium and dark brown spots, reddish laterally.

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.

On bushes and trees in woodland, especially on Oaks.

Spring-Summer.

Widespread in south and east England. May be declining. 

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.

https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Xysticus+lanio