Feather-legged Lace Weaver, Garden Uloborid
Uloborus plumipes
Uloboridae (Hackled Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key characteristic: Lack of venom glands.
Physical Description
The spider has a distinctive humped abdomen with two prominent tufts of hair on the first pair of legs. The cephalothorax is relatively flat, and the abdomen is somewhat pear-shaped or triangular when viewed from the side.
Size Estimate
Female body length: 4-6mm; Male body length: 3mm. Leg span typically under 15-20mm. This appears to be an adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from creamy white to mottled brown and grey. Features dark longitudinal stripes on the cephalothorax and cryptic patterns on the abdomen that resemble bird droppings.
Web Type
Horizontal or tilted orb web made of cribellate (non-sticky) silk. The silk has a 'fuzzy' lace-like appearance that entangles prey mechanically.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two rows, which are difficult to see without magnification. The arrangement is typical of Uloboridae, spread across the front of the head.
Leg Characteristics
The first pair of legs is significantly longer and stouter than the others, featuring distinctive brush-like tufts of hairs ('feathers') on the tibiae.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Non-venomous. Members of the Uloboridae family are unique among spiders because they have evolved to lose their venom glands entirely.
Medical Significance
Zero medical significance. They are completely harmless to humans and pets. They cannot bite effectively and have no venom to inject even if they did.
Safety Recommendations
No safety precautions are necessary. These spiders can be safely handled or left alone to act as biological pest control.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Commonly found in greenhouses, gardens, and urban settings across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia; introduced to many other regions globally. Prefers sheltered spots among plants or buildings.
Behavior & Temperament
Very docile and slow-moving. Often sits in the center of its web or under a leaf. When threatened, it may drop from the web or remain perfectly still to rely on its camouflage.
Diet & Prey
Small flying insects like midges, gnats, and fruit flies. Because they lack venom, they wrap prey extensively in many layers of silk to crush and immobilize it.
Seasonal Activity
Year-round in greenhouses; in temperate outdoor climates, they are most active from late spring through autumn.
Description
An unusual and fascinating orb-weaver that breaks the rules of spider biology by lacking venom. Its 'feathered' legs and humped appearance make it look more like a piece of debris than a predator.
Key Features
Tufted brushes on the first pair of legs, humped abdomen, and a lack of venom glands. Web is made of 'lace' silk rather than sticky droplets.
Similar Species
Uloborus walckenaerius (larger, more silver) and various small Araneidae, but the feathered leg tufts are diagnostic for Uloborus plumipes.
Life Cycle
Females produce flat, papery, star-shaped or stellate egg sacs that are often brownish. The spiderlings emerge and may balloon to new locations. Lifespan is typically about one year.
Ecological Importance
Provides excellent natural pest control in greenhouses and indoor gardens, specializing in catching small flying pests that are often difficult to manage.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but generally common and widespread in anthropogenic environments.
Interesting Facts
The 'hackled' silk produced by these spiders is an evolutionary alternative to sticky glue; it uses thousands of tiny dry fibers to snag the hairs and limbs of insects.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'feathers' on the front legs. Use a macro lens and side-lighting to highlight the texture of the humped abdomen and the unique lace-like silk of the web.
Identified: 2026-07-10T19:15:12.351653