They are often called "lampshade spiders" because of the shape of their webs which are usually built underneath ledges or projections.

The cephalothorax of both sexes is light yellowish grey, with a darker star shape underneath.

[3] The spider first makes a circular "mat" of silk and then uses this as the top of a cylindrical web that widens downwards and is open at the bottom like a lampshade.

The spider rests at the top of the web, with its long legs outstretched and touching the edges of the cylinder.

[1] The genus name is derived from the Greek hypo, below, and cheilos, lip, referring to the position of the labium.