Iolo Williams narrates a story of invertebrate heroes living in post-industrial Plymouth. These darkness-seeking creatures are horrid ground weaver spiders (Nothophantes horridus), tiny hunters endemic to the area of Plymouth and therefore found nowhere else on Earth. These only 2.5 mm long predators mate in winter. Males that seek the attention of females put themselves into mortal danger. Just like in many other spider species, females are prone to attack and kill males after mating. We will also see the hedhehog harvestman (Centetostoma bacilliferum), another Plymouth speciality. Last but not least, prowling male horrid ground weaver spiders have to survive encounters with voracious centipedes. He eventually ends up in the female's web... but will she accept him or make a meal of him?

This is a clip from Episode 4 of Winterwatch 2024.
Disclaimer: I do not own this clip. I do not own the show that it was taken from. Winterwatch is produced by the BBC. Uploaded solely for educational purposes.