Unknown Spider Invasion

[Corster]

I've found about 5 of these so far in my house, and it's worrying me as I think there may be a nest inside.
I've no idea what type it is, I've Googled to no avail. Here's the description:

Opaque Red-Orange (Like red ants) ceratothorax and legs
Green-Grey abdomen
Found running across floors, walls and worktop. None with webs so far.
From 1/4" to 3/4" in length, so could grow larger.
Abdomen is elongated and larger (by around 3x) than thorax.

That's about as much info as I can muster, haven't had a chance to take a pic, maybe if I see one again, I'll trap it and photograph.

If anyone could identify it, it would be much appreciated.

[aeshna5]

From the description I think it would be difficult to know which species, but I'll suggest one species which is common in buildings, etc through most of the world (+ numerous in my house!)- the Daddy Long-legs Spider, Pholcus phalangoides, which I often see walking about, but does have a messy web too!

I may be totally wrong, but I thought it worth mentioning this common synanthropic species.

[Venger]

If you can get us a picture, that would be great.

I'm assuming your sizing is including legs?

I'd suggest you pop to this site and have a look at some of the spiders there - we'll get further if you can find something that looks similar.

Pictures of Spiders

[Corster]

Thank you both for replying, but aeshna5 couldn't be farther from what I saw!! No offense, it's hard just from a description, but no, it's most definitely not a daddy long-legs.
It's legs are fairly short in comparison, giving it a sturdy look. The top of the thorax is not a smooth oval shape like most; it's almost circular with the structure radiating to support the legs. (Looks like most spiders' undersides.)
The spider looked a bit like Amaurobius Fenestralis (looked through your Gallery) but the proportions are different - the abdomen is considerably larger than the thorax.

[Venger]

Try looking at Agelenidae sp though I'm not sure about the size of the abdomen, and then have a look at Gnaphosidae sp - though their thorax isn't perfectly round.
A photo would definitely help.

[Corster]

I have added a sketch to the Gallery, it may be a while before it appears.
Please search for the word sketch.
I've tried searching agelenidae and Gnaphosidae in the Gallery and Google, but still nothing close enough! It's got me excited now, I might have discovered a new variant on the species! It's not a jumping spider, but it does have characteristics of a tube-web spider; the relatively short, stout legs and large abdomen. Have not yet found another to trace to it's web or photograph it.

[Venger]

If you put it in the 'unidentified' or in the 'forum images' Gallery, you should be able to add it to you post straight away.

[Corster]

I have a photo! I found a couple in the garden on Saturday, think they live underground.
The young are completely red-orange, almost like ants. As they grow older, their thoraxes get deeper red and their abdomen turn to a pale green to almost-white grey.

Finally, A Picture!

Thankyou all for your help and persistence, especially Venger!

[Venger]

Looks like a woodlouse spider Dysdera sp
It's a lot easier with a photo
They are nocturnal hunters, and they can give you a nip if you handle them incorrectly.
Six eyes spider, with huge jaws (for dealing with woodlice obviously)

Glad to help.



Photo by Wild-Woman

[Corster]

That's the beggar! Never seen one before, but yeah they do have massive jaws - I thought they were fangs at first. That's a much better photo than mine, but I did use my phone. I hope they don't grow much bigger than an inch total, my missus would have a heart attack!