whats this spider?

[nightshade]

That is one good image Dan ,beautiful spider

[Deer Stalker]

Originally Posted by Jonno

I have also seen some very big tube web spiders recently, and was wondering if anyone actually knew what the largest species of spider in Britain is?

Jon

Hi Jon
I think it is a tie between the Raft Spider Dolomedes plantarius & the Cardinal Spider Tegeneria parietina.

[Scotty]

Hello there

Argiope is cetainly on the move and is spreading quite rapidly in V17 (Surrey). It recently featured in a local newspaper as being recorded on the North Downs (central). It is also frequent on heaths and meadows in the NW of the county. I think we will see a rapid expansion in this species's range over the next few years, provided the right habitat is available.

It appears, from my own observations in V17, to require the correct structure, i.e tussocky grassy areas. Hence the records from Purple-moor grass on the heaths. Has anyone observed the species in different habitats, e.g. shorter or mown turf, vegetable plots, scrub etc?

Regards

Scotty

[hellsbells]

Hi,

Sorry my original photos have been deleted (thanks to son!), quick update to wasp spiders on the allotments.

A lot have disappeared from my plot including the original one i found, its web is now been reused by another type of spider, they did seem to get very big before they went. Have they died or moved on? I found a small one with its web in my tomato plants .

Also I found about another 15-20 on much shorter couch grass on an un-used plot. These were a lot smaller bodied than my ones.

Fascinating little things aint they

Take care all

[Carrie84]

I live in Fife Scotland and myself and a few friends of mine have spotted this horrid scary looking thing lol

xx

[lizard orchid]

Dear All,
I just found this interesting thread on the Wasp Spider. Found a nest of the species new for Oxfordshire last year. Agree, this species is moving northwards.

Brian Laney, Northamptonshire.