Recently we recorded our 25th species of Spider (Araneae) in the Garden. In the grand scheme of things this is a low number, when compared to the 650+ species known to live in the UK. However for a small urban garden we think this is a rather diverse group. Especially as spiders are not something we actively look for. Indeed many would say the opposite is true. However spiders are generally very shy creatures (apart from Zebra Spiders which we have stated elsewhere on this website are down-right nosey) and it should be remembered that they capture/hunt many of the other species we consider annoying.
Unfortunately we have not been able to identify our 25th species beyond genus level, so Clubiona sp it will have to remain unless someone can positively identify it for us.
Clubiona spiders are known as Sac Spiders, because the females are sometimes seen guarding their egg sacs within a silken den. In general the members of this genus are nocturnal hunters*, which may account for why it has taken us so long to spot them.
There are around 20 species of Clubiona in Great Britain, many are relatively common and many look like our specimen above.
DC: 12.06.2024
* Bee, L & Oxford G & Smith H. (2020) Britain’s Spiders: A field Guide. Second edition. Oxfordshire: Princeton University Press
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