Common Stretch Spider, Long-jawed Orb-Weaver, Stick Spider
Tetragnatha extensa
Tetragnathidae (Long-jawed Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include elongated bodies, exceptionally long chelicerae (jaws) in males, and a specialized habit of holding the legs outstretched in a straight line along vegetation.
Physical Description
Extremely elongated and cylindrical body shape with a long, slender abdomen and an equally elongated cephalothorax. The texture is smooth and glossy. The spider exhibits notable sexual dimorphism mainly in the exaggerated length of the jaws and overall slender proportions.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 7 to 11 mm for females and slightly smaller for males, with an extended leg span reaching up to 40 to 50 mm due to the front legs stretched forward.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly pale yellow, silver, or light brown with a distinctive dark longitudinal stripe running down the center of the dorsal abdomen. The sides often feature silvery or greenish hues that provide exceptional camouflage.
Web Type
Builds a horizontal or slightly inclined orb web, frequently with an open hub in the center. The web is typically constructed low down near water or in tall grass and damp meadows.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two nearly parallel, slightly recurved or straight rows. The lateral eyes are typically contiguous, which is a characteristic feature of the family Tetragnathidae.
Leg Characteristics
Very long, thin legs equipped with fine spination. When resting, the spider characteristically holds its first two pairs of legs extended straight forward and the rear pairs extended straight backward, mimicking a twig or piece of grass.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild neurotoxic venom tailored specifically for immobilizing small invertebrate prey. It poses no threat to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Their chelicerae are primarily adapted for holding struggling prey or rivals and are rarely capable of piercing human skin. Bites are extremely rare and result in no systemic effects.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety precautions are needed as these spiders are completely harmless. If found indoors accidentally, gently cup them under a glass and release them near an outdoor garden or water source.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Widely distributed across the Holarctic realm, including Europe, North Asia, and North America. Found primarily in damp habitats, near the margins of lakes, streams, ponds, and in tall grass or reeds.
Behavior & Temperament
A master of camouflage that relies on stillness to avoid detection. When approached, it flattens its body against a stem or stretches its legs out to resemble a stick. It is non-aggressive and quick to drop from its web into vegetation if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on small flying insects trapped in its horizontal orb web, such as midges, mosquitoes, mayflies, and small flies.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during the spring and summer months. Mating occurs in mid-summer, and adults die off with the onset of cold autumn weather, leaving overwintering eggs or juveniles.
Description
The Common Stretch Spider is an elegant and fascinating arachnid easily recognized by its elongated body and unique resting posture. By stretching its legs straight forward and backward, it transforms into a living twig, blending seamlessly into the grasses and reeds near water bodies. As a member of the long-jawed orb-weaver family, it constructs horizontal webs to catch aquatic insects, playing a vital role in wetland and riparian ecosystems.
Key Features
Extremely elongated cylindrical abdomen, very long chelicerae, horizontal orb web with an open hub, and the characteristic twig-mimicry resting posture with legs held straight out.
Similar Species
Other members of the genus Tetragnatha (such as Tetragnatha viridis or Tetragnatha laboriosa). Distinguishing them often requires microscopic examination of the genitalia, though habitat proximity to water is a strong indicator.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken, greenish or yellowish egg sacs attached to vegetation near water. Spiderlings emerge in spring, undergo multiple molts, and reach maturity by mid-summer. Adults typically live for a single season.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important predator of aquatic and semi-aquatic pest insects like mosquitoes and midges, while also acting as a key food source for birds, amphibians, and larger predatory insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are generally stable and widespread across suitable wetland and riparian habitats.
Interesting Facts
These spiders can remarkably walk across the surface tension of water when fleeing danger. Their elongated jaws are specifically adapted to lock together during courtship to prevent cannibalism.
Photography Tips
Capture them from a side angle to highlight their twig-like camouflage and elongated posture. Use a macro lens in natural, diffused light to bring out the subtle silvery and brown tones without disturbing the spider's stillness.
User Notes
Pretends to be a stick
Identified: 2026-10-04T01:59:25.187919