Enoplognatha ovata (Clerck, 1757) / latimana

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Description of Enoplognatha ovata (Candy stripe spider) and/or Enoplognatha latimana

Physical Characteristics

The two species are only distinguishable from each other by genital characteristics.

Female 4 tot 6 mm.
Abdomen pale yellow or pale green with a faint, slightly darker pattern. Often with two red longitudinal stripes and two rows of black dots.
Carapace pale yellow with a dark median band and a thin dark line along the edge.
Legs and palps pale yellow, sometimes with slightly darker joints.

Male 3 to 5 mm.
Markings and colours almost identical to the female. The longitudinal stripes on the abdomen sometimes black.

Habitat

In several open areas such as heathlands, gardens and grasslands. Also in forests.

Distribution

Occurs in the whole of Europe. E. ovata is common, E. latimana is rare.

Period

Spring, summer and autumn.