© Stuart M Bennett 2003
Atypus affinis
(The Purseweb Spider)


The female of this species grows to betweeen 10 - 15 mm with the male being about 7 - 9 mm. The purseweb spider builds a silken tube in the ground, closed at both ends, only the top part of the tube protrudes from the ground. When an insect lands on the tube it is stabbed through the mesh by the spider and taken down into the vertical section to be eaten, once the trap has been repaired.

These spiders are recorded throughout the British Isles, but very local in northern England. Most common in southern counties where colonies are found.

Back to main Spider page