How Common Are Wasp Spiders?

Originally confined to southern Europe and northern Africa, wasp spiders are now spreading northwards into the UK, especially in the heathlands and coastal areas. They were first recorded in the 1920s at Rye in East Sussex, but their range has now extended as far as Shropshire and Derbyshire.

They are a member of the orb-web spider family. They make a large, round orb web that can reflect ultraviolet light. They often have a zig-zag pattern of silk running through the centre. It is also known as an “attractment device”.

These spiders are a solitary species and feed on grasshoppers and beetles. Their larvae hatch from spider eggs. They are also known to be efficient hunters. They kill their prey by injecting paralyzing venom.

Female wasp spiders are slightly larger than males. They also have yellow stripes on the abdomen. They measure between 14 and 17mm. These spiders are mainly found in grasslands and heathlands. However, they can also be found in woodland and farms.

Male wasp spiders are 4-6mm in size and pale brown. They are more likely to die when mated with an unrelated female.

The female wasp spider has black and yellow stripes on the abdomen. It also has silver-coloured hairs on the cephalothorax. It makes the largest egg sac in the UK. The egg sac is about 25mm across. The wasp spider web is often found in grassland, where it will attract pollinating insects.

The wasp spider has been spreading into the UK in recent years. Some researchers believe that the climate has altered, allowing it to migrate north.