Bright green spider for identification

[Bruce Williams]

Took this pic today (12th April) at Stockgrove Country Park, Beds. It was holding station on a huge Rhododendron purpureum bush. It kept perfectly still for several minutes so the only problem in getting a pic was the wind moving the leaves.

Size ~5mm.

I've provisionally identified it as Araniella cucurbitina and would appreciate confirmation (or otherwise). Also is it possible to id gender?



Bruce

[Meta menardi]

Due to the season and the more visible cephalothorax, I will have a punt at Araniella Inconspicua. Nice find if it is. Better help will be along soon.

[No.9 Spider]

I'd go for Araniella cucurbitina and certainly a female. There is a small but unlikely chance of it being Araniella inconspicua, as it is a Nationally scarce (Notable B) species and though A. inconspicua is noted as being found as an adult marginally earlier than A. cucurbitina, given the current climate for many species appearances it couldn't be relied upon.
And of course without epigyne and palp details we can never be really sure.
Always a nice spider to find in any case! and nice picture too.



No.9 Spider

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your input Meta menardi and No.9 Spider. Perhaps I should have mentioned that the area around the spinnerets is red - if that helps at all.

Bruce

[No.9 Spider]

There is a small red spot just above the spinners in the Araniella species, so this would not single out a specific species unfortunately.


No.9 Spider