Matriphagy and A.similis.

Matriphagy is well documented in the species of lace web spider, Amaurobius ferox, but I can find no documentation on the UK's other 2 species practising this behaviour. On the 18/6/16 I found this female Amaurobius similis and retained her for observation. One thing that has stood out is the size of the females abdomen after producing such a large egg sac. The black lace web weaver, A.ferox is known to produce a second clutch of eggs for her young to feed on before ultimately consuming her. Is this going to be the case with this female A.similis? The first spiderlings started to emerge on the 13/7/16.
21/07/16 UPDATE: Before work, I checked on the female and she was very much alive. She was still very large and healthy looking but when I returned from work this evening, the case for A.similis and matriphagy was proven. The spiderlings had mainly consumed her abdomen, which makes sense but also one leg was eaten. The engorged spiderlings were released under my garden hedge never realizing the ultimate sacrifice that their mother paid so they can receive a fighting start in life.

18/6/16 
Female Amaurobius similis with egg sac.

13/7/16
The first spiderlings start to emerge.

15/7/16
Spiderlings are continuing to emerge but still many more in the egg sac.

19/07/16
All the spiderlings seem to have left the sac.

21/07/16 AM
The female is very much alive.

21/07/16 PM

I returned from work and found the conclusive proof that Amaurobius similis practise matriphagy. Abdomen has been completely consumed but note that leg I has also been eaten up to the femur.

21/07/16 PM
I returned from work  and found the conclusive proof that Amaurobius similis practise matriphagy.