Enoplognatha ovata ?

Action_Man · #1 (**permalink**) 25-07-2008, 11:12 PM

I found this in my kitchen yesterday, and placed it outside, today it has returned inside, whats all that about ?, this isent an inside spider surely ?.

I think its Enoplognatha ovata, about 5mms. long

Tiggrx · #2 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 05:53 PM

Looks like one to me. Strangely I found a female Enoplognantha ovata in my bedroom last week - maybe they are changing their habits

Meta menardi · #3 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 07:51 PM

Love the photos, but back off a bit. E. ovata can usually be easily ID'd by a clear view of the abdomen (colouring and things). Your excellent photos don't show that very well.

Action_Man · #4 (**permalink**) 26-07-2008, 08:50 PM

This is the best i have of the abdomen, not very good i know, but its a quite tiny spider, and undernourished by the look of it.

Its disappeared for now, but if i see it again i`ll try and get a top-down shot ...

Venger · #5 (**permalink**) 27-07-2008, 08:36 AM

Looks like one to me

It's mating times and they do move around looking for the best spot to build their webs.
I've had them on houseplants - but I always move them outside.

Meta menardi · #6 (**permalink**) 27-07-2008, 03:49 PM

Given the three photos you have got, it is much easier to get an overall picture. It is a male, you can see the complex palps in photo 2 and it has 2 yellow stripes, one of the colour schemes that E. ovata has.

It may look thin and weedy, but as Venger says it is out on the pull at the moment, so think snake-hipped well dressed sleek Romeo (Probably got a Ferrari parked round the corner and some red roses behind his back). Male spiders are usually less substantial, they only have to carry some sperm (and a mirror and comb), the ladies are there for more important roles.

Action_Man · #7 (**permalink**) 27-07-2008, 04:43 PM

I wonder if they keep slim at this time of year so they dont look too appetising to the female ?

...

Meta menardi · #8 (**permalink**) 27-07-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action_Man

I wonder if they keep slim at this time of year so they dont look too appetising to the female ?

...

Don't think they get the choice. No point in wasting good flesh on what is only required on a transient basis. It is probably a mistake to think of spiders having good eye-sight, some (Jumping spiders, wolf spiders) do. All (pretty well all), have things that are very important to their sensing of the environment that we have no concept of. Things that sense vibration, air movement, the relative placement of their limbs.