Erigone atra

I discovered this tiny money spider floating in mid-air attached to a sliver of fine silk as I stepped out into my back garden last year. A very small, shiny black spider with yellowish brown legs in females and reddish brown legs in males. One of several similar species. Body length up to 2.88mm.

A very common aeronaut, often seen ballooning through the air on a silk thread. It feeds on flies and other winged insects which may fly into their webs.

Seen throughout the year. Found in a variety of habitats. A common and widespread species throughout Britain.

Photographs of Erigone atra taken July 2015, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2015. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.