Amaurobius similis

Amaurobius similis is a species of spider in the family Amaurobiidae. It is one of at least two common spiders found in houses known as lace-webbed spiders. The specific name similis is based on its similarity to the species Amaurobius fenestralis. Both are often found near windows, hence the specific name of A. fenestralis. Mature males have a body length of 6–8 mm, females 9–12 mm. The carapace is dark reddish-brown in colour, with a darker head area. The top of the abdomen has a dark wedge shaped marking, edged with yellow towards the anterior. The legs are coloured as the carapace, and bear darker annulations. The species is very visually similar to A. fenestralis and, while A. similis tends to be larger and darker in colouration when mature, microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary for reliable identification of the two species. Amaurobius similis has a Holarctic distribution, and is found throughout Europe and the Caucasus.