Uloborus plumipes is a relatively recent addition to the UK spider fauna. The species is found exclusively in glasshouses and garden centres where it can be extremely abundant. It turned up simultaneously in the heated parts of garden centres during the same week in the early 1990s in Reading, Liverpool and Southampton and must have been introduced with a consignment of plants from abroad. Since then it has spread rapidly and occurs as far north as Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside, Cumbria.
     In Cornwall, Uloborus plumipes is common in the tropical humid biome in the Eden Project and has been found inside garden centres nearby. In July 2005, it was extremely common in the plant sales shop at Trebah Gardens on the Helford Estuary. It is certain to be found in similar sites all over the County.

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Fig. 1 (left): Female Uloborus plumipes.
Fig. 2 (above): Female Uloborus plumipes guarding her star-shaped egg sac.