Zygiella x-notata, Missing Sector Orb Weaver

Common Name: Missing Sector Orb Weaver

Zygiella x-notata, otherwise known as the Missing Sector Orb Weaver, conceals itself within a silk-tube retreat situated above an orb web with its distinctive missing sector. A small spider with pale body and annulated (striped) legs and leaf-shaped silver-grey markings on the abdomen. This spider is typically found on buildings and street furniture and is often found in the outside corners of windows. Specimens have also been discovered on cliffs and on bushes, especially near habitation.

Adults have been recorded throughout the year, but mostly in late summer and autumn. Single egg-sacs, covered loosely with yellow silk, are produced in autumn and winter and are affixed to solid surfaces. Spiderlings emerge from the egg-sacs in spring.

The species is widespread in much of Britain, more scattered and patchy in the north.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.