Can anyone identify this spider I noticed hugging the outside wall of my garage. It is about 4 cm/1.5" in length, with its legs forward and its long/large body behind. Even when disturbed it was docile and apparently non aggressive. The colouring is a matt black/brown, with hairy legs.

In all my years I have never seen this form of spider before and so am interested in its identification.

Any assistance is appreciated.

my first reaction was purse web spider but I am no expert. I don't think that is the correct ID but I know a top spider man and have sent on the pictures to get an ID. Someone else may know though. best wishes

SCR

My friend replied immediately with this:

This looks very like Segestria florentina. If the front of the the chelicerae (not the fangs themselves) are irridescent dark green and / or it lives in a tube web with radiating threads from the entrance, then the ID is confirmed. Aggressive and can give a nip if it can.

There is lots of info on-line. Do you live near a port?

Great photos, and a beautiful looking spider. Interesting to know that they can give a bite if they get a chance.

South Coast Ranger - top man - spot on with your identification!! My temporary guest does appear to be a Segestria florentina. I have checked online for info and all bear out your identification, a very large specimen of it's type.

It was not near any hole, just dormant during daylight as shown in the first photo on garage wall. I live in Chatham, Kent, not really near any docks of note. The spider, fortunately, was fairly docile and merely wanted to get under a few things and then remained static.

I have it in a jar for the moment, pending indentification that it wasn't some dastardly tropical thing that would spread terror in the South East! I intend to release it back near where I found it at dark fall.

Many thanks again.

I can't take the credit but will pass on your thanks

Best wishes

SCR