Spider id please

[jimfoxy]

I feel a bit naughty starting a spider thread on the insect forum but I think this is the right place. Can anyone identify this one, please? Is it Tetragnatha extensa?

I would be interested to know whether it does or can catch prey without a web. The photo is of one which has been loitering in this position on the edge of a pitcher plant trap and I would be interested to know whether it is doing this in order to catch food. I can't see a web.

[Venger]

Sadly we don't have a spider forum ( so either in 'insects' or 'general wildlife' will have to do.)

Well it's a Tetragnatha but you can't tell which species from that photo.
If you could view the sternum that may give you a clue but apart from views of the epigyne or palps you're not going to get 100% confirmation.
Any other shots?
What location did you find this, close to water? (I suppose it's boggy round there due to the pitcher plant?)
They are orb weavers not ambush specialists. That position is usually defensive, it's trying to blend in with the plant (usually it does it on stems or grass).

[jimfoxy]

Thanks Venger. Now I look carefully I can see bits of web. The spider has set itself up around the pitcher mouth so was still there this evening for a couple more shots. I don't think I can take the close ups you need with my camera (plus the thing refused to move from underneath the pitcher lid this evening).

The plant is in my greenhouse. We have a run-off ditch nearby which often has water in. Certainly all the plants in the greenhouse stand in water and so the humidity is high.







I think it is definitely waiting for snacks. Is there a name to the relationship between something like a spider that hangs around flowers or other species that attracts prey? I can't see that it is mutualism as I thought that meant both parties got something out of the deal. For a carnivorous plant like this one it might almost be kleptoparasitism but the plant won't have caught the prey yet!

[richie_h]

Hi, I'm new to this site and also have a spider I want identified. Unsure how I start a new thread so thought I'd write here.

I live in North Hampshire and found it in my garage. It looks very similar to a black widow, with it's shiny black body but doesn't have the red markings but it does have some faint markings on it's back.

Any ideas?

[Venger]

Well keep an eye on it jimfoxy, I've never read that they've done that. As I've said it's an orb weaver not an ambush predator, but who knows see if you can get photos of it feeding there.

richie_h

If you can post a pic that would be great.
Sounds like you're describing a Steatoda species, though we'd all be guessing without a picture.
Can you tell us the size (excluding legs) any patterns on the abdomen or legs?
Where abouts in North Hampshire?

Similar to these, take a look in these threads;

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...me-spider.html
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...er-please.html