Raft Spider and a Funnel Web

[Cheryl]

I never thought I'd see a Raft Spider without going into the bog but goodness me - I was stunned to see this one in the middle of the boardwalk. I couldn't get too close but was so pleased to see one


and if that wasn't enough I spotted a Funnel Web Spider



I have to thank those of you Wabbers who posted your pictures from the weekend of this spider - never noticed it before then Almost embarassed to ask but I will - does it bite?

[Venger]

Depends on how much you cheese it off
They generally only bite in self defence, some will take a lot of abuse and some will nip quickly. Not all envenomate, they save that for prey items rather than people.
I'm sure if you annoy a beetle it'll bite you.
Just give it the same respect you'd give to a bee or wasp and you'll be fine.

[Bruce Williams]

Cheyrl - I really like your Funnel Web photo, especially viewed at full resolution. It has an almost three dimensional feel to it and it's hugely atmospheric too - almost Hammer House of Horrors!

Bruce

[aeshna5]

A few years back while at Thursley we found quite a few juvenile Raft spiders + virtually all were away from water on the surrounding vegetation.

[demicav]

Good pics.