Feather-legged Spider, Garden Uloborid
Uloborus plumipes
Uloboridae (Hackled Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Distinguishable by the complete lack of venom glands.
Physical Description
Small spider with a humped abdomen and distinctive tufts of hair on the tibiae of the front legs. The cephalothorax is relatively small compared to the bulbous, often unevenly shaped abdomen.
Size Estimate
Body length: 3–6 mm for females; 2–3 mm for males. Leg span: 10–15 mm. The specimen in the image appears to be an adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Displaying cryptic coloration ranging from pale grey and brown to almost black. Often has mottled or marbled patterns on the abdomen to blend in with debris or dead leaves.
Web Type
Horizontal or inclined orb-webs made of 'hackled' or 'cribellate' silk, which is fuzzy and non-sticky but traps prey through entanglement. Frequently found in greenhouses or under porch eaves.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two rows of four, with the lateral eyes set far apart, typical of the Uloboridae family.
Leg Characteristics
The first pair of legs is significantly longer and sturdier, featuring 'feathery' tufts of setae on the tibiae which gave the species its common name. The legs are often held out forward at rest.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Non-venomous. Members of the Uloboridae family are among the very few spiders that lack venom glands entirely.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Because they have no venom, they cannot cause a toxic reaction. They are not known to bite humans, as their mouthparts are designed for small insects.
Safety Recommendations
No safety precautions are necessary. These spiders are beneficial and safe to have around children and pets. They can be easily relocated by moving the web with a soft brush.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Originally from warmer regions of the Old World, it is now cosmopolitan. Frequently found in gardens, greenhouses, and near human structures in temperate and tropical zones globally.
Behavior & Temperament
Passive and docile. Since they lack venom, they rely entirely on wrapping prey tightly in hundreds of meters of silk. If disturbed, they often remain motionless to mimic bird droppings or debris.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on small flying insects such as midges, fruit flies, and aphids. They wrap prey in an extensive amount of silk before injecting digestive enzymes to liquefy the body for consumption.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in indoor or tropical environments; in temperate climates, activity peaks in mid-to-late summer.
Description
An intriguing and completely harmless architect of the spider world. The Feather-legged spider is a master of camouflage, often looking more like a bit of dried leaf or a smudge of dirt than a living predator. It is a unique specimen for nature lovers because it represents one of the few lineages that evolved to lose its venom, relying instead on high-tensile strength silk to secure meals.
Key Features
Distinctive tufts of hair on the first pair of legs, humped abdomen shape, and the presence of a cribellum (silk-spinning organ that creates fuzzy silk).
Similar Species
Other Uloborus species, such as Uloborus glomosus, which may have different abdominal profiles but share the feathery leg characteristics.
Life Cycle
Females produce a papery, star-shaped or flattened grey egg sac that they often guard in the web. Spiderlings disperse via ballooning. Lifespan is typically about one year.
Ecological Importance
Excellent natural pest control, especially in greenhouses and indoor gardens where they consume large quantities of whiteflies and gnats without the risk of harming humans.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN; however, they are considered common and widespread, often benefiting from human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
The silk produced by this spider is not sticky like a typical garden spider's web; instead, it uses microscopic 'hackled' fibers that act like Velcro, snagging the bristles and limbs of insects.
Photography Tips
Focus on the 'feathery' tufts on the front legs. Use a macro lens to capture the texture of the humped abdomen. Side-profile shots are best for showing their unique silhouette.
Identified: 2026-06-15T21:01:37.208072