Green Huntsman Spiders

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Scientific name:  Micrommata virescens

Size:  Female head and body up to 15mm, males up to 10mm

Distribution:  Can be found throughout most of the UK, but a rare species (and probably declining due to habitat loss).  Majority of sightings are in southern England

Months seen:  May to September.  Males are generally sighted in summer

Habitat:  Woodland, parks, gardens, heaths and moorland

Food:  Flies and other small invertebrates

Special features:  Green Huntsman spiders have a bright green carapace and legs.  The females have a bright green abdomen which has a darker green stripe along the top, bordered in yellow.  The males have a yellow abdomen featuring scarlet coloured stripes.  Both sexes have white circles around their eight black eyes.

Rather than chasing after their prey, these spiders wait for passing invertebrates and then pounce on it.  Hence the "Huntsman" name.

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