Unidentified spider with prominent spinnerets

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 04:15 PM

Stony Stratford, Bucks. 17th December 2008.

Took this pic while out walking with Maggy yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately due to it's location on the fence this was the only viewpoint I could get. Size is ~7mm (however posture appears contracted so could be longer).

Help with identification appreciated.

Bruce

demicav · #2 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 06:03 PM

Looks like a Scotophaeus blackwalli (mouse spider) but not 100% sure.

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 06:18 PM

Some of the Gnaphosidae and Clubionidae families have prominent spinners like your specimen; but they are mostly nocturnal, although during these darker days it probably doesn't matter so much. But it is getting very late for any of these now.

I expect, once they have finished their evening meal, one of the experts will give some interesting information about this species.

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 06:24 PM

ps. That is an interesting suggestion from Demicav; but I thought that species was housebound at this time of the year.

No.9 Spider · #5 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 06:28 PM

It's a Clubionidae species I'd say and an immature male. I'll have a closer look later - Asda beckons

.

No.9 Spider

No.9 Spider · #6 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 06:39 PM

Possibly Clubiona phragmitis but not 100% sure with there being 35 species in Clubionidae and so many similarities.

No.9 Spider

demicav · #7 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 07:17 PM

The Scotophaeus blackwalli and the clubionidae sp share similar characteristics, at least it seems they do to me visually. I'm no spider expert though but it's always fun to have a go.

Bruce Williams · #8 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 10:19 PM

Thanks for your interest and help guys.

If it helps I'm fairly confident on size estimate to within say 6.5-9mm (more likely between 7-8mm) as all shots taken that day were manual focus set at max macro (1:1), so a relatively simple matter to calculate size of subject from known D80 sensor size.

Bruce

Venger · #9 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 10:38 PM

Things to look out for when you're looking Demicav - Clubiona IV leg is always the longest, square(ish) head, usually dark nearer the front, large dark chelicerae (though those last ones also apply to some Gnaphosidae too!, but the leg is always a give away.

Gerel · #10 (**permalink**) 18-12-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demicav

The Scotophaeus blackwalli and the clubionidae sp share similar characteristics, at least it seems they do to me visually. I'm no spider expert though but it's always fun to have a go.

I'll admit that I compared Bruce's pic to some guides and thought Clubidoniae and then saw S. blackwalli and wimped out off making a choice between the two. In general though I like to have a go.

Besides they can't shoot you for being wrong....... can they?

Steve