Metellina segmentata

(Clerck, 1757)

Autumn spider, Eurasian Armoured Long-jawed Spider, Meta segmentata

Metellina segmentata is an -weaving in the Tetragnathidae, commonly known as the Autumn spider due to its late-season activity. The exhibits pronounced : males possess longer legs and a broader , while females are markedly heavier with a larger adapted for production. Adults mature from August to October, with males competing aggressively for access to female webs through ritualized contests influenced by relative body size, prior residency, and value. The species builds characteristic orb webs with a radial frame supporting spiral sticky , typically positioned 0.5–2 meters above ground in edge .

Metellina segmentata by (c) Barry Walter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Barry Walter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Metellina segmentata Molveno 02 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Metellina segmentata Segonzano 02 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Metellina segmentata: /mɛˈtɛlɪnə sɛɡmɛnˈtɑːtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from primarily by season of maturity: present August–October versus April–July for M. mengei. M. merianae differs in markings. Identification from M. mengei requires examination of for certainty. Body size decreases latitudinally, with northern British smaller than southern ones. Woodland specimens average smaller than those from open clearings. Web structure diagnostic for Tetragnathidae: web with open hub lacking central threads.

Images

Appearance

Small to -sized -weaver with distinct . Males measure 4–6 mm in body length with characteristically long legs and broad ; females measure 4–8 mm with disproportionately heavy, rounded . displays variable coloration including , red, and orange with black markings; surface pale cream with red and pink . bears black fork-like central marking. Female underside shows black strip extending to . Both sexes possess powerful ; females have notably large epigynes. Coloration and markings vary considerably among individuals.

Habitat

Occupies low vegetation and structures from ground level to approximately 2 meters height. Prefers edge at woodland margins, gardens, and open clearings adjacent to woods. Found in both mature woodland and more open disturbed areas, with body size varying between these habitats. Web placement typically in low bushy vegetation, between tree branches, or on leaves. Larger individuals occupy higher-quality sites with superior lighting and wind conditions; smaller individuals relegated to lower-quality areas such as window corners and dense bushes.

Distribution

to the Palaearctic region, with core distribution in Europe where it is common and widespread, especially abundant in the United . Range extends through Turkey, Israel, Caucasus, Russia (European to South Siberia), Kazakhstan, Iran, China, and Japan. to Canada with established . Collected specimens documented from Oxford, England (51.74°N, –1.30°W).

Seasonality

with strict seasonal . overwinter, hatching around mid-June. progress through four , maturing in approximately two months. present from August to October (late summer through autumn), with some sources extending this to mid-August through December. Peak adult activity coincides with late-season flowering and abundance in edge .

Diet

captured in webs consists of flying , primarily () and (). Prey wrapped in and consumed immediately or preserved for several days. Some individuals observed to store wrapped prey. Specific prey spectrum varies with and season.

Life Cycle

cycle. deposited in spherical on twigs or bark, until mid-June hatch. undergo four over approximately two months, reaching maturity by late summer. live one to two years post-maturation. Female correlates strongly with body size: 2 mm width produces ~80 eggs, 3 mm width produces ~160 eggs. Male size also influences female fecundity, with larger males associated with higher egg production in mates.

Behavior

Builds webs with radial frame supporting spiral of sticky , positioned relatively low above ground. typically occupies web center but retreats to edge, maintaining contact through signaling thread. Males practice intensive mate-guarding, occupying female webs and defending against rivals. Contests between males involve ritualized displays and physical combat, with outcomes determined by relative body size (larger male wins when >10% larger), prior residency, and value. Contest duration decreases exponentially with increasing size asymmetry, indicating mutual assessment. Males delay copulation until female captures and bites , exploiting female predatory to reduce sexual risk. Some males present captured prey or even rival male corpses to females as . Sexual cannibalism of males by females has been documented.

Ecological Role

of flying ; contributes to regulation of dipteran and lepidopteran in late-season edge . Webs provide microhabitat for kleptoparasitic . Serves as for larger predators and some vertebrates. Male-male competition and female choice dynamics represent well-studied examples of and contest in .

Human Relevance

Non-venomous to humans; no documented bites despite in gardens and human-populated areas. Occasionally referenced in older literature by synonym Meta segmentata. Subject of extensive behavioral research on , contest , and mating strategies in . sequenced as part of initiatives.

Similar Taxa

Metellina mengeiOverlapping European distribution; distinguished by earlier season (April–July versus August–October) and requires genital examination for certain identification
Metellina merianaeThird British ; differs in markings and

More Details

Male-Male Competition Dynamics

Research demonstrates that male contest involves sophisticated assessment strategies. When size asymmetry exceeds 10%, larger males almost invariably defeat opponents. For smaller asymmetries, prior residency determines outcome. Contest duration reflects both size asymmetry and resource value, with males fighting longer over larger, more fecund females. This represents one of the first documented cases of assessment strategies in -web-building .

Anti-Predation Mating Tactics

Males have evolved specific behaviors to reduce sexual , including delayed copulation until females are occupied with handling. Some males kill rival males and present the wrapped corpse to females, or present captured prey items, potentially reducing female aggression during mating approaches.

Sexual Size Dimorphism Evolution

Positive correlation between and clutch size drives selection for larger females. Larger females possess more powerful legs and to support heavier loads. Male preference for larger females intensifies selection, creating feedback loop increasing across .