Mothercare spiders are one of the few spiders that look after their young after they hatch.

Physical description
Female mothercare spiders are 3-4mm and males are 2.5-3mm long. They vary from black and white to pale brown and white.

Distribution
Mothercare spiders are widespread throughout Britain. Related species are found worldwide.

Habitat
They inhabit bushes and low vegetation. Mothercare spiders sometimes live on thistles where the many spikes provide both protection and support for the spider's web.

Diet
Despite their small size, they are capable of killing bees and wasps.

Behaviour
Mothercare spiders build a tangled web amongst leaves. They sit in a retreat made of leaves and insect remains.

Reproduction
After mating, the female makes an egg sac and keeps it with her in her retreat. When the young hatch she shares her prey with them and even regurgitates food for the spiderlings who feed from her mouth.

Conservation status
This spider is not protected by law in the UK.