Tetragnatha extensa (Common Stretch Spider) Male: 6 to 9mm Female: 6.5 to 11mm
Family: Tetragnathidae. Genus: Tetragnatha.
Adults are seen between May and September. (in U.K.)
This Common Stretch Spider, is widespread and abundant over much of the U.K. Found also across the Northern Hemisphere, from Alaska to Newfoundland.
Habitat: Mainly found in wetland habitats. The spider spins it web, amongst various vegetation, close to or over, open water. The web is usually a simple spun web, horizontally or angled near to the water’s surface. If disturbed, the spider will leave the web and stretch its body and four front legs out along a blade of grass, central vein of a leaf, or the stem of a reed. The four back legs, pointing backwards, achieving effective camouflage.
Feeding mostly on insects associated with water, typically midges, mosquitos, flies and moths. The Stretch Spider is able to walk on the still surface of water.
In the short courtship, the male and female lock jaws, possibly helps the male from not being eaten before the mating. The egg sacs are globular and have the appearance of bird droppings, normally these are pressed against a plant stem.