Macro Jumping Spider ID please...

The Black Rabbit · #1 (**permalink**) 27-12-2007, 07:19 PM

As aeshna has so rightly said, its been unseasonably warm down south today, so I thought I'd hobble around the garden in the dark (with a sprained ankle) looking for spiders to photograph.

Found this beauty about 7' up a drainpipe, on my old fleece, giving our birdbox a wee bit of stability.

I'm really chuffed with the results, as its not easy standing on a stool with a crocked ankle, holding a torch in one hand and the camera in t'other, in the dark!
I took about 12 shots - these were by far the best.

I know its a type of Jumping spider (I think), but is it a Zebra Spider, or a Fence Post Jumper or something else?
I see Venger hasn't been around for a week, but maybe someone else would point me in the right direction - dogghound or demicav for example, (you were both very good at the last spider I needed ID'ing).
Any help appreciated massively though.

NB. Thanks to Mark (MH68) also here. His old camera. His advice. A lot of inspiration from him! (Not quite up to your standards eh pal - I'll get there one day!)

Doug.

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 27-12-2007, 07:44 PM

Marpissa muscosa

The Black Rabbit · #3 (**permalink**) 27-12-2007, 07:59 PM

Cheers Dogghound!

Thats the Fence Post Jumper, right?
DOug

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 27-12-2007, 08:06 PM

Unsure on its normal name not to good with spiders im afraid, most of these spiders are refered to as jumping spiders. I do know its not a massively common species and yours is a female if that helps.

demicav · #5 (**permalink**) 28-12-2007, 11:36 AM

Missed this one, agree with Dogghound on ID. Good photos, very cute Spider.

The Black Rabbit · #6 (**permalink**) 28-12-2007, 12:57 PM

Thanks Demicav!

Doug

Tobyh · #7 (**permalink**) 28-12-2007, 01:34 PM

I believe a common name for this is the Zebra Spider.

Good pics!

The Black Rabbit · #8 (**permalink**) 28-12-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobyh

I believe a common name for this is the Zebra Spider.

Good pics!

Thankyou for your comment Toby.
The "Zebra spider" is another species though - Salticus scenicus.

Cheers
Doug

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 28-12-2007, 06:24 PM

Thats the problem with common names, sometimes several species can be grouped up together under on common name. As well as variation between different areas and ages.

forevergreen · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 07:22 PM

uh ive had a look and found the name salticus its been mentioned already. its definatly part of the salticae family..

Venger · #11 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 05:18 AM

Dogghound had it right, its a Marpissa muscosa

All 'jumping spiders' are part of the Salticidae family.
(Though not all spider that jump are called jumping spiders...just to confuse you

)
There are around 75 species in Europe, with about 36 in the UK (excluding 4 from the Channel Islands)

Not all spiders have 'common names' so don't let that mislead you (how many spiders are called a 'garden spider'!)
If you want to have fun pop over here, a veritable resource of information for Salticidae

Welcome to the world of jumping spiders!

(I must say our German friends know how to do spider sites! one of several I use to help me ID)