Phoroncidia species

Fact Box Species: Phoroncidia species (RM, QM) (or a theridiid with a very similar appearance) Previous species name: None Family: Theridiidae Body length: female: 4 mm male: about 2.5 mm Habitat: In the centre of a circular web supported by strong threads that bridge small branches of small garden shrubs Toxicity: Too small to cause illness in humans

Other views In its web The support strand Close-up view

This small species is common in small garden shrubs and when present is likely to be found in relatively large numbers.

Its web is essentially a circular wheel (similar to many araneids) with a single strong strand joining the centre of this to a branch. The female normally sits at the centre of the web and a string of rounded egg sacs and/or 'garbage' masses can be found along the strong strand. Other irregularly arranged threads also support the wheel.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: None.