yet another unidentified spider

UB4 gardener · #1 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 11:26 PM

i have been after a pic of this one for at least 2 months. Found by my front door, nocturnal, i'd say maybe 15-20mm without the legs quite an impressive & sinister looking beast, any ideas appreciated.

thanks
Chris

Venger · #2 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 09:38 AM

Do you know what it's web looks like and do you have any more images of this one?

UB4 gardener · #3 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 10:38 AM

This one shows the normal view i get as soon as the porch light goes on.

This is the only other half (if you can call it that) decent shot, which is a crop of the next one.

When it is out and about this is all it does. unfortunately about 10 seconds after turning the torch on it's off ( refer to first pic). the gap to it's left where the retreat is is 15mm wide so it's nearer the 15mm size than the 20mm.

I just took this one to show that there isn't really a web to speak of but just a tangle of lines with a retreat.

it has been out there for a few months but it only comes out on the warmer nights. I have tried potting it but as soon a you touch the lines it's off.

Chris

No.9 Spider · #4 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 10:40 AM

As Venger says, a few more images may help, particularly some sharper ones of the back pair of legs. I can see some web to the back of the spider. It's a bit of a battered and maybe a dehydrated specimen which doesn't help identification, looking like a male but palps are hidden in the picture. I've an idea on it, but the size doesn't fit, are you happy on size estimate?

No.9 Spider

No.9 Spider · #5 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 11:07 AM

A not best ever specimen of Steatoda sp. will have to get my vote, and if push comes to shove it'd be Steatoda grossa. I'd have to put it under the microscope to be 100% though.

No.9 Spider

UB4 gardener · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2008, 11:23 AM

i'll try harder with the pics and give it a feed, it was the closest i could get but the size nor shape fitted. but if it is dehydrated then that would explain it. it will look pretty impressive when fully fed.

Thanks
Chris

wildherbalian85 · #7 (**permalink**) 13-05-2008, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No.9 Spider

A not best ever specimen of Steatoda sp. will have to get my vote, and if push comes to shove it'd be Steatoda grossa. I'd have to put it under the microscope to be 100% though.

No.9 Spider

I agree. Though not very clear there are at least 2 triangles visable on the back and i suspect there is probably 3.