The Green Leaf Web Spider (Nigma walckenaeri) is a small arachnid in the Dictynidae family of cribellate spiders. A cribellate spider has a cribellum which is a silk-spinning organ.
The Green Leaf Web Spider is yellowish, with a shiny, green abdomen which is well camouflaged on leaves. It has eight legs.
It grows to about half a centimetre (a quarter of an inch) in length.
It is found in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and southern Europe. It can be seen from August to October in parks and gardens, as well as scrublands. The female is also often seen in winter, up to January.
It feeds on insects.
The Green Leaf Web Spider makes a web on the underside of a leaf, as well as the upperside. The leaf is usually broad with a curved surface.
Location of photographs: Paris, France
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM