The definition of the habitat characteristics of spider species is an essential part of arachnid ecology. In this paper the method of developing habitat profiles from histograms of the number of records of occurrence for each habitat category (Hänggi et al., 1995) has been followed. Those authors used published records from a wide range of sources, mainly in central Europe but also elsewhere. This paper argues that clearer and more precise profiles could be obtained by using data from each individual country so that comparisons of habitat preferences can be made between different geographical regions. The abundant data in the Spider Recording Scheme of the British Arachnological Society (Harvey et al., 2002) make this possible for Britain, but it is not known whether the same amount of information is available in other European countries. An investigation of the latitudinal differences in habitat preferences in Britain was made by dividing the country into three regions: South England, North England and Scotland. A 21-category habitat classification was designed to represent the British landscape. Habitat profiles were prepared for several species in each of the three areas. In most cases habitat differences were recorded. Interpretation of these differences and the possible errors which have to be taken into account are discussed.