Gorse Orb-weaver
Agalenatea redii
A compact orb-weaving spider of heathland, scrub, dry grassland, and gorse-rich edges across much of Europe. It sits in or near a small orb web, using mottled brown, cream, and reddish markings to blend with dead flower heads and twiggy vegetation while waiting for flies and other small insects. Prey is subdued with a fang bite and wrapped or held, while larger threats are avoided by dropping or remaining motionless. A notable feature is its rounded, variable abdomen, which can make different individuals look surprisingly unlike one another.
- Type
- Stealth
- Conservation status
- NE