Shadow hammock-spider (Labulla thoracica)

This is one of the UK's largest 'Money spiders' (Linyphiidae) also known as 'Sheet Weaver spiders, most of which are pretty small, measuring no more than 4mm. This species can measure almost double that and this specimen certainly seemed to qualify?

Very similar to a group of other Money spiders, the male, seen here is easily identifiable by the impressively large Pedipals/Chelicerae & long coiled 'Embolus', which form the mouth piece and are used to transfer sperm to the female.

Like many spiders L. thoracica prefers damp and darkened places in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, unmanaged grasslands, gardens, and houses where it can be found under loose dead bark, in hollow trees, in crevices and holes, deep in Ivy, under logs and in bird boxes.

Its peak period is between August and October although individuals can be found almost year round.