Black Lace-weaver

Amaurobius ferox

What have you got living in your garage? After clearing a few bricks out of my own garage this is what I found. This cute-looking character is the Black-lace Weaver (Amaurobius ferox), a spider which is commonly found in outbuildings, including sheds and garages. These are fairly dark-looking spiders with pale markings on their abdomens which look a little like a face. They can give a fairly nasty bite if handled incorrectly, as cute as they may look.

Both sexes have dark abdomens, but the female has a larger abdomen and the markings can be fairly vague. Body length females 11-15mm, males 8-10mm.

Feeds on insects caught in its web. The mother makes the utlimate sacrifice after her spiderlings have hatched, for she becomes their first meal.

The adult females are seen all year round, the males in spring and autumn. Often found in cellars, houses, gardens and outbuildings. It can also be found under logs, loose bark and stones in woodland. A common and widespread species throughout Britain.

Photographs of Black Lace-weaver (Amaurobius ferox) taken June 2014, found in garage, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2014. Camera used Nikon D3200, with Sigma 105mm macro lens.