Ballerina spider ID

Lord V · #1 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 08:54 AM

Any ideas on this tiny "money spider" about 2.2mm body length trying to paraglide from my car roof ?
Brian V.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 01:15 PM

The red perimeter to the abdomen and generally dotted brown top makes me think it's a Missing-sector orb-weaver, Zygiella atrica.

Could be wrong!

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 18-03-2009, 08:48 PM

I suspect this is another immature specimen that doesn't look exactly like the adult form.

At the moment, I wouldn't rule out juvenile Metellina photographed from a strange angle.

Certainly a very sharp clear photo.

Bruce Williams · #4 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 12:31 AM

You've done a great job on this tiny subject Brian. Perfect viewpoint (artistically), excellent colour with plenty of interesting detail. I like the "ready for action" pose too.

Bruce

Lord V · #5 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 07:27 AM

Thanks for the comments and ID suggestions

Must admit when I first saw a spider in this pose I thought it was a threat stance- it was only when I saw one successfully paraglide off I realised what was going on

Brian V.

Venger · #6 (**permalink**) 19-03-2009, 09:27 AM

Ok as I've said in other posts - ID'ing juveniles is extremely tough - unless you've watched them grow in captivity that is!
Anyway, I've mulled this around and though not 100% I'm going for a juvenile Anelosimus vittatus

Lord V · #7 (**permalink**) 20-03-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venger

Ok as I've said in other posts - ID'ing juveniles is extremely tough - unless you've watched them grow in captivity that is!
Anyway, I've mulled this around and though not 100% I'm going for a juvenile Anelosimus vittatus

Thanks for the ID suggestion (and thought) - much appreciated

Brian V.