Unidentified spider with long fangs

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 08:52 PM

Northants. This spider turned up in our front porch just after midnight last night. I popped it into a washing-up bowl to photograph it before letting it go by the shed in the back garden.

Now I'm not normally (ever) phased by spiders but for some reason this one made my skin crawl - well it might have been the late hour - yeah that must be it

.

Bruce

wildherbalian85 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 08:59 PM

Woodlouse spider by the looks of it.

Entorien_Scriber · #3 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildherbalian85

Woodlouse spider by the looks of it.

Definately! Dysdera crocota. The huge jaws are because the specialise in hunting Woodlice, which are rather well-armoured. I'm curious, did you pick it up by hand? I know these can give a painful bite, but I don't think they're agressive. According to my books they're a type of 'six-eyed spider'.

Lucky find, I've never seen one. :-)

sebastianbawn · #4 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 09:18 PM

Just a quick question. I thought Dysdera crocuta had 2 dorsal spines on the left fourth femur. This appears not to. Would that not make it Dysdera erythrina? I am learning to so I may not be correct.

Action_Man · #5 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 09:33 PM

I think it would make my skin crawl too, but i would love to see one, nice captures Bruce

...

Bruce Williams · #6 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 10:06 PM

Thanks for help with identification guys.

Thanks Gordon

.

Entorien_Scriber - Definitely did not pick it up in my hand

and now glad that I fought against the macho urge to do so

. I used a pint glass to make the initial capture and then slid it into the bowl....and yes "six eyes" - see this close-up pic:

Bruce

Venger · #7 (**permalink**) 22-05-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebastianbawn

Just a quick question. I thought Dysdera crocuta had 2 dorsal spines on the left fourth femur. This appears not to. Would that not make it Dysdera erythrina? I am learning to so I may not be correct.

It's not always reliable - I suggest you download the PDF from BAS (last PDF in list):
http://www.britishspiders.org.uk/ind...ge=difficultsp

Venger · #8 (**permalink**) 23-05-2009, 12:37 AM

Personally I'd say this is D.crocota over D.erythrina - even without the spines on femur IV (though thats not 100% confirmation)

Bruce Williams · #9 (**permalink**) 23-05-2009, 11:17 AM

Thanks for your help Des - much appreciated as always.

Bruce

naturegirl · #10 (**permalink**) 25-05-2009, 12:43 AM

Blimey guys!!!! That spider has HUGE fangs!!!!

I would deffo NOT pick this one up in my tender little mitts!!!

I could never play classical guitar again if I did!!

Naturegirl