Marpissa radiata

Appearance

Embolus partly covered, visible in 12 o\'clock position. Epigyne with strongly sclerotised copulatory openings, margins of epigynal groove somewhat sclerotised. Prosoma dark brown, provided with small, bright hairs. Legs light brown to brown. Opisthosoma light brown, with 2 broad, dark brown longitudinal stripes and a narrow, median orange stripe.
Body length male: 6-7 mm, Body length female: 6.1-9.3 mm

Naming

Grube, 1859

Distribution

Widespread throughout Europe

Status

The most significant threat is loss of open fens through drainage, the detrimental effect of lower water tables across large areas of East Anglia or invasion of scrub vegetation. A high proportion of the sites where this spider has been recorded are relict fen sites, with a long continuity of habitat. As with ancient forest, once lost or severely degraded there is no quick and easy means of restoration (Bob Merritt, pers. comm.).

Habitat

Generally a species which is found in open fens, where females spin a cocoon in heads of Phragmites. It is also found among lower vegetation.

Food

Insects