Spider Identification / Loire Valley

[rburnett]

HI there,

I have just returned from a week in the Loire Valley. Whilst there I briefly saw a spider on a wooden landing stage on the side of a lake that I would like to try and identify. I have tried surfing the net this evening without any luck. Sorry I do not have a picture as by the time I got my camera ready it was gone. It was however very striking and is impronted on my mind.

The spider was very similar in shape and form to a Wolf Spider and measured approximately 2 to 3 inches leg tip to leg tip.

It was black all over but had a red ring outlining the two sections of its body. It was not a black widow or a red back. The legs where tapered much like the Wolf Spider. It was magnificant and very striking.

Can anyone help?

Thanks

[Jason Green]

I have a couple of ideas... can you draw it for us? It should be the next best thing to a photo.

Oh, and welcome to WAB!

[rburnett]

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the reply. Drawing is not my strong point but I have given it a go. Whilst I likened it to a Wolf Spider, the legs were not raised like a Wolf but laid very flat. I didn't see it move so I cannot describe its movement.

Can you please advise how can post a scanned drawing?

Any help gratefully received.

Thanks.

[Jason Green]

Morning!

See http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...otos-info.html

Good luck!

[rburnett]

Hi there Jason,

Well hopefully I have successfully uploaded my jpeg drawing into the image library.

I hope that you are able to view it. It is in the unidentified insects area and listed as Loire Valley Spider.

If you or anyone else are able to identify what spider it is from my (very) rough drawing then that would be great.

Thanks again for your help with this. Even if I don't manage to identify 'incy wincy' at least I have found a great web site and forum.

Ray