Vast numbers of small spiders in grass

Geoff F · #1 (**permalink**) 17-03-2009, 10:41 PM

It looks like this may be a similar question to LoveT's recent post.

Went for a walk along the S. Devon clifftops yesterday and on the rough grass path edges and nearby fields there were considerable numbers of smallish spiders scurrying around. Packed in as dense as 3 or 4 per square foot over a wide area.

They wouldn't stay still and I didn't have a proper macro lens so I struggled to get any clear photos. This is the best one but a piece of grass is in the way.

Not sure of ID. Thinking Lycosidae possibly Pardosa species 5-8 mm. Photo could be male P. amentata but probably unidentifiable from a rough photo. Colouration varied on some of the other images but could be juveniles, and yes, I know colouration is variable between individuals and you can't get 100% ID from even a good photo.

Next question; I assume they must have hatched this year as opposed to overwintered. Is that correct.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 17-03-2009, 10:43 PM

I would assume so, though adults would have overwintered, yes.

Venger · #3 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 09:36 AM

Most likely a Pardosa spp though which one I couldn't tell you, not from this photo (or any really) you need a microscope.
At this size they'll be from last year, usual breeding season starts in May.

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 09:11 PM

Thanks for the information. I thought it sounded a bit early but I wasn't expecting so many to have overwintered. Although it is a mild spot just a stone's throw from the sea.

I was finding them all along this stretch of path and across a couple of nearby fields. I wonder how many there are in total?