greenhouse spider

diggleken · #1 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 10:55 AM

This amazingly pretty beauty was in the greenhouse (still is, thats where she went back to!) - any help for ID appreciated please.
Cheers
Ken

Venger · #2 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 11:19 AM

Size please (excluding legs please), you couldn't get an underneath shot could you?

diggleken · #3 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 03:37 PM

Hi Venger, thanks again - the grid squares under the spider are .5 cm squares, so hopefully that will give you size.
No clear underneath shots, never thought to, but these might help - I have lightened the underparts in one to make them more distinct.
Hope it helps to ID this pretty spider.

Cheers
Ken

Venger · #4 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 04:23 PM

You almost got it, I need it completely upside down, shots of the upside down abdomen would be grand

diggleken · #5 (**permalink**) 13-05-2009, 07:35 PM

I know where it has its web, so i'll have a spider hunt tomorrow and see what I can do..........................

Cheers
Ken

Venger · #6 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 12:51 PM

This one threw me completely! (the size of the abdomen had me confused)

Its a Metellina mengei or M.segmentata.

I got a second opinion from a better Arachnophile :-P

diggleken · #7 (**permalink**) 14-05-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks Venger - cant find it now for further pics, so just as well you've sussed it!

Brilliant, thanks again for your help - is this an unusual species (later, with a bit more research, no its not! and it looks like m mengei, but i will keep looking for it underneath to be sure!) - I havent spotted it before?
Cheers
Ken