Long-jawed Orb Weaver

Long-jawed Orb Weaver Spiders have an elongated body, which can be creamy-yellow to green or pale brown. Their legs are a yellow-brown colour. They are sometimes referred to as Common Stretch Spiders. They spin an orb web to catch their prey, which includes flies and other small invertebrates. They’re usually found on low growing vegetation, frequently close to water or boggy areas.

The spiders lie flat out with their legs stretched out in a straight line, when frightened, allowing them to hide behind narrow vegetation.

The Long-jawed Orb Weaver can be seen throughout Britain from May to September.

The name ‘Tetragnatha’ literally means four jaws. The spiders have very large jaws, known as chelicerae, that are hinged with the fangs at the tips. When mating the male locks his jaws onto the females to prevent her eating him.