Buzzing spider (Anyphaena accentuata)
Keep a keen ear out for this leaf-lover with real rhythm. Look for the buzzing spider on leaves and stems of deciduous trees and shrubs in woods and parks.
Common name(s): buzzing spider
Scientific name: Anyphaena accentuata
Family: Anyphaenidae
Habitat: woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens
Predators: birds
Origin: native
What do buzzing spiders look like?
The buzzing spider has a very striking appearance. It is pale brown in colour, with two distinctive dark brown chevron markings on its abdomen.
What do buzzing spiders eat?
Buzzing spiders have a diet of small invertebrates; usually those found in trees, on bark and in shrubs, like flies, aphids and leafhoppers. When hunting, they pounce on their prey instead of using a web to trap them.
How do buzzing spiders breed?
The buzzing spider is named after the sound males produce when vibrating their bodies against leaves to attract females during courtship.
Female buzzing spiders lay their eggs in a cocoon, creating a web nearby in order to protect it. Once they have laid their eggs, the female’s body becomes much smaller and dark grey in colour, with no markings.
Where do buzzing spiders live?
The buzzing spider is found predominantly in England and Wales, as well as parts of Scotland.
Buzzing spiders are usually found in large numbers.
Signs and spotting tips
It can be seen from April to October, usually hunting for prey among the leaves of trees and shrubs in woodland.
Threats and conservation
This spider isn't currently considered to be under threat.