With 650 species of spider in the UK, some are more commonly found in our gardens than others. The British Arachnological Society has helped us analyse the current UK spider population and decipher which may be the most numerous spider species currently on our shores.
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What’s the most common spider species in Britain?
There are many common spider species in the UK, but it’s likely that the most common is the European garden spider (Araneus diadematus) – seen frequently in late summer and autumn. It’s often one of the more frequently recorded spiders because it is commonly found in British gardens.
It also goes by the name of “diadem spider”, after the diadem-like pale circle with four radiating gleams on its back.
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They are found in gardens, hedges, fences, scrub, woodland edges and heathland. The garden spider is likely to be the most common and widespread large spider in Britain. It’s rarely found indoors though, probably because it prefers wetter habitats.
Find out about other common UK spider species here.
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Top image: A garden spider (Araneus diadematus) hanging in its web
