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Description of Atypus affinis (Purse-web spider)
Physical Characteristics
Female 10 to 15 mm.
Abdomen dark brown. Spinnerets relatively large and consist of three parts of similar length.
Carapace anteriorly raised and widened with very large, vertically moving chelicerae. Colour dark brown.
Legs and palps dark brown.
Male 7 to 10 mm.
Markings and colours almost identical to the female.
Habitat
In dry, sandy or calcareous areas such as heathlands, open pine forests and meadows.
Distribution
Occurs in large parts of Europe. More common to the south.
Period
Females all year. Males summer and autumn.