Tetragnatha obtusa

Description

A well marked spider with a rather distinctive triangular shape to the body. Cephalic region of prosoma USUALLY darker than thoracic region. However there are other similar species, and Tetragnatha obtusa and T. nigrita can only reliably be separated by detailed microscopic examination. 

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

Tetragnatha are difficult to identify and microscopic examination of the genitals of mature specimens is necessary to separate the species safely. 

Recording advice

Tetragnatha are difficult to identify and microscopic examination of the genitals of mature specimens is necessary to separate the species safely. 

Habitat

This spider spins its orb webs on woodland trees especially in damper sites but is also found on heathland pines, and in parkland, churchyards and large well-planted gardens.

When to see it

Found from early to mid summer, occasionally into September.

UK Status

The species is locally common and is widespread in England and Wales but absent from much of Scotland.

VC55 Status

Local in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Further Information

1012 British records to Jan 2013

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
spider (Araneae)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Araneae
Family:
Tetragnathidae
Records on NatureSpot:
9
First record:
09/03/2019 (Cann, Alan)
Last record:
15/06/2025 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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