This spider is a common nocturnal species that builds webs on trees and often garden sheds. During the day this flat bodied species hides under bark or in other small crevices. Females of this species can be found all year round and the males can be seen in summer (although I recently saw a male in mid-February). During the early evening these spiders can be seen constructing new orb-webs.

The colouring and patterning of these spiders does not vary much and their shiny abdomen is usually flattened.

I recently read in a Latin dictionary that umbratica means 'fond of idling, in retirement', a description that certainly applies to this species. The picture below was easy to take as the spider just sat motionless.

Above: the underside of this spider.

Above: A male.

Above: A female with her egg sac.

Above: Occasionally they can be encouraged to come out in the day.

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