Hobo spider
Field angle spider ( Tegenaria agrestis ) ( female)
The field angle spider ( Tegenaria agrestis ) is one of at least eight native to Central Europe species of the genus, the angle spinning ( Tegenaria ).
Features
The female reaches a height of 10 to 12 mm; the male is 9-10 mm. Males and females do not differ in color and drawing.
Base color of the body is a yellowish brown. The little hairy front body ( prosoma ) shows two broad and diffuse, dark olive-colored longitudinal bands which are often hardly recognizable. On the breast plate ( sternum) a bell-shaped Mittelmal can be seen with the wide end to the front, flanked by three brighter spots.
The rear body ( opisthosoma ) is dotted irregularly fine dark olive. The typical for the genus bright angle spots are only weakly contrasted. The legs are also solid color yellowish beige brown.
The field angle spider is smaller, lighter and has shorter and less strong legs as the famous Great angle spider Tegenaria atrica. However, a reliable differentiation from other species of the genus Tegenaria is possible only on the basis of the genitals.
Distribution and habitat
The relatively thermophile species inhabited the temperate and subtropical zones of the Palaearctic from Britain to eastern Siberia and western North America. The northwestern limit of distribution in Europe passes through the north of Germany, the type is missing already in Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia. In Germany, the incidence is largely restricted to heat- favored lowlands in the center and in the north east, the type is missing here in many parts of the highlands and the south.
In Germany the species is bound to heat- favored areas such as dry grass, sunny edges of forests and similar habitats, it comes in contrast to the Great angle spider only exceptionally in caves or houses before (eg for hibernation ).
Way of life
The animals build their funnel-web, especially among wood or pieces of bark. Mature spiders come mainly from July to October before.
Endangering
The species is widespread and common in medium suitable habitats. It is classified as " safely " in Germany in the Red List.