[Tallus]

No 9 Spider - you beat me to it! I was going to sing your praises, but you were far quicker than me!

No 9 Spider has cleared up the mystery, and many thanks to him for his arachnid expertise. I am amazed that the spider was still identifiable after two weeks at the hands of the Royal Mail and wrapped up in a wet tissue!!

'Steatoda Grossa' will remain etched in my wife's memory for all time. I Googled it and that was certainly the culprit, little orange legs and everything. I actually registered with WAB to get this little fella identified, as I thought that UK spiders were harmless too.

This is a great place to be, and I never knew such a site existed with so many nice people and so much knowledge. I can't imagine not being a part of this site now. I have already made a few new friends, and you are all lovely and genuine people.

I also heard from an old gamekeeper friend I lost touch with many years ago. We used to work together on Gamblesby (and other moors - or 'fells' if you come from there) in Cumbria, so it was a real joy to make contact after 30 years as you can well imagine!