Crinoline spider

Fact Box Species: Stiphidion facetum (RM) Family: Stiphidiidae Body length: female: 8 mm male: 7 mm Habitat: This species constructs a horizontal crinoline (like a stiff petticoat) sheet web typically strung under ledges of soil or rock in road cuttings; this web usually has a peaked support in the centre where the spider waits for insects to fall from the roof of the crevice Toxicity: Not known to cause human illness

Side view The web

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Several larger spiders (and especially the males) with long, slender legs have at least a superficial resemblance to this species, including Lycosa godeffroyi, Heteropoda jugulans and Tamopsis fickerti.