Is it too early for Linyphia triangularis?

[Geoff F]

In mature oak wood beside the estuary, S. Devon.

Last year I found a few Linyphiidae looking spiders, until mid June, which I never identified. I considered several possibile ID's such as Linyphia hortensis or Neriene species. Now I have started seeing a few similar spiders again.

About 5 to 8 mm and a deep chocolate colour with white. (They look good enough to eat). Typical Linyphiidae web.

Having managed to get some different angles, although still not ideal, I am now beginning to wonder if they might be immature Linyphia triangularis.



Not sure about this one, possibly a male or a different species.



I assume this larger spider is an adult male, possibly one left over from last year? But it could be a different species. It approached a smaller female while wiggling it's abdomen in a provocative manner so I wonder if it was trying to mate. Anyway, the female just moved away.



So, any chance of finally getting a positive ID on these.

[No.9 Spider]

Linyphia triangularis tends to be prominent from August thru' to October. Neriene peltata is a possibility, a small number of records for it appearing in April, peaking in May and June. Neriene montana and Linyphia hortensis are similar in habitat and season to N. peltata.
So probably too early for L. triangularis, but can't be 100% .




No.9 Spider

[Geoff F]

That is what I was thinking, but:

I thought Neriene montana usually had clearly annulated legs, but could be wrong here. Neriene peltata is quite possible although I considered it might be a touch on the small side. Neriene clathrata is also possible but the abdomenal markings don't quite match. The same, to a lesser extent, with Linyphia hortensis which was my most likely choice last year.

However, I have had a look through some of my 'reject' photos and came up with an over flashed rather unsharp image which appears to show a 'tuning fork' mark on the carapace. I have tried to enhance the photo.

Is this significant or just a random blur. Can N. peltata also have a bit of a dark mark here?



I also considered Pityohyphantes phrygianus (what a mouthfull) but I think that I am totally in the wrong part of the country.

Any further suggestions welcomed.

Geoff.

[No.9 Spider]

I've only looked at the time frame for the species really, though did note similarities to P. phrygianus. Time frame March to June but as you say records are restricted to the North and central Scotland.


No.9 Spider