Feather-legged Lace Weaver, Garden Uloborid
Uloborus plumipes
Uloboridae (Hackled Orb-weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by the lack of venom glands.
Physical Description
Small spider with a humped abdomen and long, specialized front legs. The cephalothorax is small relative to the abdomen, which often appears tufted or angular. They exhibit a distinct 'crouching' posture.
Size Estimate
Body length 3-6mm for females; males are smaller at 2-3mm. The specimen in the image is a mature female.
Coloration & Markings
Crytic mottled brown, grey, and tan. The abdomen typically has light-colored tufts or bumps, and the legs are banded with dark and light brown stripes.
Web Type
Horizontal or tilted orb web made of non-sticky 'cribellate' silk, which has a woolly or hackled texture to entangle prey mechanically.
Eye Arrangement
8 eyes in two rows, though relatively small and often obscured by the spider's fuzzy texture and camouflaged markings.
Leg Characteristics
First pair of legs is significantly longer and thicker, featuring prominent brushes of dark hairs (setae) on the tibiae that look like feathers or plumes.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Non-venomous. This is one of the few spider families that has completely lost its venom glands through evolution.
Medical Significance
None. Harmless to humans and pets. They are incapable of envenomation.
Safety Recommendations
No safety measures needed. They are beneficial residents. If removal is desired, gently move the web with a brush.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Originally from warmer climates (Africa/Asia), now widespread in Europe and North America, often found in greenhouses, gardens, and near human structures.
Behavior & Temperament
Passive and slow-moving. They rely on camo and their specialized silk rather than speed. They are unique for having zero venom glands and do not bite humans.
Diet & Prey
Small flying insects such as gnats, flies, and aphids. They wrap prey extensively in silk to compensate for their lack of venom.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in indoor environments or greenhouses; peak activity in late summer and autumn in outdoor temperate gardens.
Description
An intriguing, small spider known for its feathery forelegs and unique hunting method. It stays motionless in its web, resembling a bit of dried debris to avoid predators.
Key Features
Feather-like hair tufts on the front legs (tibiae), humped abdomen, and the construction of hackled (non-sticky) silk webs.
Similar Species
Uloborus glomosus (Hump-backed Orb Weaver), which lacks the distinct feathering on the legs seen in U. plumipes.
Life Cycle
Females produce a papery, star-shaped or flattened brownish egg sac which they guard. Spiderlings emerge and often stay near the maternal web briefly before dispersing.
Ecological Importance
Excellent for natural pest control, especially in greenhouses where they prey on whiteflies and fungus gnats.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but widespread and common in urban and agricultural environments.
Interesting Facts
They are the only family of spiders that lacks venom glands. They kill prey through extreme wrapping tension and digestive enzymes rather than injection.
Photography Tips
Focus on the front legs to capture the 'plumes'. Side profiles are best to show the distinct abdominal hump and web structure.
Identified: 2026-07-17T19:44:15.354004