Pisaura mirabilis?

[JRsbugs]

Hello all!

I think this is a dark Pisaura mirabilis, it was about 8mm long.

Taken on 18th February 2009, on the outside wall near my back door at night.

The pictures will enlarge with an extra click.
Janet

[Jason Green]

I must concur - it is, yes

[Venger]

Nice photos, I love these guys.

[Jason Green]

Yep, I've never seen one in my garden though. Must've been nice to see

[JRsbugs]

Thanks, they are sort of cute aren't they.

I have had them Jason, I got some pics last year I think in my neighbours greenhouse of a pale brown one, and a female running off into some greenery near my back door carrying her eggs. She was a bit too quick but I got a half decent shot!

[Meta menardi]

That is the one. I am fascinated by the way that they (and other spiders) hold their legs in pairs. Given that many of their sensory faculties are on the legs, I wonder if it is the same as having a doze or just switching off too many sensory inputs.

Can't think of a way to test this.

[JRsbugs]

Interesting thought Meta! I hadn't actually thought about it, but looking at the spider upside down my first inclination was to think it gives double the braking power!

[Gerel]

This is the second P.mirabilis in the last few days, I've only ever seen them here in the late spring and summer. Like this one Is it usual for them to be active so early in the year?

Steve

[JRsbugs]

Nice image Gerel! I took my shot of the female with her egg sac on 2nd September last year.

[Gerel]

Cheers Janet,

I just checked, mine was taken on June 6th last year, quite a long breeding season, or do they have more than one clutch (for want of a better word)

Steve