Philoponella species

Fact Box Species: Philoponella species (possibly Philoponella variabilis as suggested by Helen Smith) Family: Uloboridae Body length: female: 5 mm male: 3.5 mm Habitat: This species builds a small orb web in branching dead twigs Toxicity: Lacking venom glands, all uloborids are considered harmless to humans

Another specimen Another specimen Web and food mass Another female

Although the overall body shape of this species is similar to some Poltys species, the latter lack the web-spinning cribellum and thin sensory hairs (trichobothria) on the legs which Philoponella and other uloborids have.

As can be seen in the above images, this kind of spider varies its camouflage colours to suit the habitat it is occupying.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Other uloborids such as Philoponella species and Uloborus barbipes as well as Poltys illepidus.