What about Wasp Spiders?

[Venger]

A Strange request

If any of you find a decent stabilimentum (the fuzzy zig-zag of silk running down the center of the web) and you just happen to have a UV torch (you might ) could you tell me if it reflects or 'glows'
Sadly the Argiope's are just to far south for me to see. (No transport)

Thanks

V

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

We had an immature female at Rainham at the beginning of the month, by the path near Averly Pool.

ooo thats 2 immature females locally then (with mine from bedfords park). Hope fully we'll see some mature females soon

Btw was that in the RSPB reserve?

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Venger

A Strange request

If any of you find a decent stabilimentum (the fuzzy zig-zag of silk running down the center of the web) and you just happen to have a UV torch (you might ) could you tell me if it reflects or 'glows'
Sadly the Argiope's are just to far south for me to see. (No transport)

Thanks

V

Okey dokey. Will do that V if I find one and I don't get arrested hanging around till it's dark with a torch

Have you a theory about the stabilimentum then? Perhaps ultra violet that birds may see.
(I'm thinking of Blue Tits-Male has an ultra violet aura on head)

J

[GuyF]

Here's my one from today.

I don't think I've got a UV lamp, but if I have I will go and try the web tonight.
Guy

[Venger]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Okey dokey. Will do that V if I find one and I don't get arrested hanging around till it's dark with a torch

Have you a theory about the stabilimentum then? Perhaps ultra violet that birds may see.
(I'm thinking of Blue Tits-Male has an ultra violet aura on head)

J

It's a possibility, there are so many thoughts as to what a stabilimentum actually is...personally I think it's a mix of things.
Some think it's for camouflage, some for insect attraction, or a moulting station, or to warn birds.
As I've never seen an Agriope in this country I'm not sure how they react in a defensive posititon - I've heard that they vibrate in a similar way to Cellar spiders. If thats the case then think of the, lets say 'show' that would happen if your web vibrated as well (especially if you could see in the UV spectrum - it must be stunning, in a bad way!)
Not that I'm promoting that everyone go out and upset Wasp spiders just to see.
Though they are less prevalent on final moult adults.

So I'm asking all you 'southerners' to go be my eyes. heehee!

Thanks

V

[Dan Salter]

Not seen any yet this year jules..but i am not on my patch anymore...cant remember when i photographed my one at darland last year but i have a feeling it was later than this? she was heavily pregnant.

[GuyF]

Today I found a dead spider in my females web, maybe an unlucky male?
Guy

[Wild-Woman]

Well I'm dead chuffed today. I've seen 5 females and one male that was about to end up as it's partners lunch. One was caught in an insect sweep so I went back to the area and found 4 more and the male . I've got some shots so I'll add them to this thread when/if they've been approved by the mods.(BTW-hope they do get approved of course, they might think they're rubbish)
You've got to admit it, they are stunningly beautiful creatures.

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Well I'm dead chuffed today. I've seen 5 females and one male that was about to end up as it's partners lunch. One was caught in an insect sweep so I went back to the area and found 4 more and the male . I've got some shots so I'll add them to this thread when/if they've been approved by the mods.(BTW-hope they do get approved of course, they might think they're rubbish)
You've got to admit it, they are stunningly beautiful creatures.

Did you get any shots of the male? I don't think I've ever seen one before, I don't know what they look like!
Guy

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by GuyF

Did you get any shots of the male? I don't think I've ever seen one before, I don't know what they look like!
Guy

I really tried Guy, but he came out like a little splodge. He was so much smaller and at such an awkward angle, that my camera couldn't focus on him and I just kept getting the background. I was so frustrated because this was the first time I'd seen the male. He was pretty insignificant looking-obviously much smaller, paler and without the black and yellow stripes. He was below the female bout 10cms apart. Also more towards the grass and leaves where he could do a runner.
I will be going back to the reserve in a few days, so now I know where they are I'll give it another go.