Eh....so where did those two come from?

[Bruce Williams]

Stockgrove Country Park, Beds. 4th March 2010.

Size of spider ~5mm.

I took this pic of the red and white spider, Araniella displicata totally unaware that there were two other critters (so is there an English equivalent to this word?) sharing the fence-post (well actually an old, disused electric fence-wire terminal). It was only when I got back home and viewed the pic on the monitor that I saw that the spider was not alone.

As it turned out I wasn't that pleased with the spider pic itself however I enjoyed the "bonus" of two unknown subjects. Help with identification appreciated:



....this thread is an indication of just how super-observant I am .

Bruce

[Acutipuerilis]

The one on the left is an aphid and the other's a mite. And that's as far as I'm going!

I'd like to know what the aphid is, actually - it's really cute.

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Acutipuerilis

I'd like to know what the aphid is, actually - it's really cute.

Me to has me stumped.

[Jason Green]

Evening Bruce,

Very interesting! A nice photo - a mother's meeting, perhaps!

Yes, as said - a Mite and, as Joe says, an Aphid. I think the latter looks like a Giant Willow Aphid, juvenile. Look at the dorsal bumps...

Take care,

Jason

[Tracey.A]

I really know next to nothing about spiders and mites, but when I looked at your pic, I was completely blown away. It's superb! It reminds me of a family photo, mum and dad looking on at their youngster. In this case it looks like mum and dad are thinking of eating it

I know you were asking if anyone could identify the other two insects and I obviously can't, but wow that it is a cracking photo

Tracey

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks everyone for their interesting suggestions. You know I'd not given aphid a thought as a possible id. Here's a couple more pics. I've cropped all pics to best show the relationship between spider and "aphid", however all original shots focus on the spider only - I really was unaware of the smaller black and red characters.





Thanks for your kind appreciation of the first pic Tracey - much appreciated .

Bruce

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

You know I'd not given aphid a thought as a possible id.

Or me! I was following on from Joe's suggestion. Personally I considered this distinctive Springtail I seem to remember - but happily gave that one up for Joe's ID! Yes, I agree - an Aphid.

Glad to see displicata doing well on that site of yours!

[Bruce Williams]

Jason - Yes I'm seeing two or three A. displicata on ever visit to the park. Sadly I recently photographed one with a larva attached at the usual junction between cephalothorax and abdomen - I'll be posting that to the Gallery in the near furure.

Bruce

[jaguarondi]

Re the aphid - it's very hairy. I don't think the giant willow aphid is hairy. And I can't see the conical cornicles. See -
RRes - Willow Power
Maybe a Periphyllus species is a better bet. They're hairy and this one has two rows of lumps along the back -
CEBE - MOB

[Bruce Williams]

jaguarondi -

Thanks for your input and helpful links. I agree that we're closer with a Periphyllus species.

Bruce