My Resident Zygiella X-notata

[Jason Green]

Hi,

Following Kayleigh's thread about the unfortunate death of her kitchen's resident spider, a Zygiella X-notata, I thought I'd share a few pictures of mine.

Taken 22nd Oct 2007 Here it is eating what I think is a Fannia sp. that had just got in the back door.

It, too, is a Z X-n and have known of it's existance there since Oct 22, 2007. It is therefore at least six months old and has been active throughout the winter.


Head-on, eating an aphid


Side-on


Partially wrapped

Since I first noted it, it's lengthened its unusual looking web. It comprises of the usual 'lair' between cupboards and then a typical web with external strands leading to a distant, tangled-looking section some 12 inches away, though I've never seen it travel this far. It normally uses just the webbing.

Are there any other Z X-n's or other resident spiders in domesticated positions out there? Post your pictures here...

[Kayleigh]

Great images nice and clear. I like the series of pics too. Its hard to get the spider against the sky. I have some but they are not very good.

[demicav]

Nice pics Jason.

[Action_Man]

The only residents i have are Tegenaria, and i`m not going looking for them, they give me the creeps, all other spiders are ok, but Tegenaria i usually leave alone ...

[demicav]

Originally Posted by Action_Man

The only residents i have are Tegenaria, and i`m not going looking for them, they give me the creeps, all other spiders are ok, but Tegenaria i usually leave alone ...

They're quick off the mark and can make people jump a bit, especially when you pick something up off the floor and they suddenly run out at you.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by demicav

... and can make people jump a bit, especially when you pick something up off the floor and they suddenly run out at you.

Particularly if they're arachnophobic!

I like the Z X-n as it isn't nessersarily the type you'd expect in a domestic setting

[Venger]

Originally Posted by Action_Man

The only residents i have are Tegenaria,

That you've seen Gordon, there are plenty of nocturnal hunters that prowl our houses in the depths of the night.

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by Venger

That you've seen Gordon, there are plenty of nocturnal hunters that prowl our houses in the depths of the night.

I'm not going to bed now. Gonna sit up with a torch and a water pistol.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

I'm not going to bed now. Gonna sit up with a torch and a water pistol.

Don't forget to sleep with your mouth closed.

[Action_Man]

I knew i shouldent have had a last look on the forum before bedtime ...