Green and brown spider

[Bruce Williams]

Stockgrove Country Park, Beds.

Size: ~6mm.

First time I've come across this species. Photographing it was a real challenge as it was very camera shy - hiding round the back of the fence post (a side I didn't have access to. In the end I took a risk and used a piece of long grass to chase it back round my side. It eventually disappeared into a crack in the fence - but not before I'd managed to get a couple of shots.



Bruce

[Venger]

Cracking shot!
It's a Diaea dorsata

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help and comment Des.

The abdomen on this species looks very strange - like it doesn't belong almost as if it's been stuck on.

Bruce

[Entorien_Scriber]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Thanks for your help and comment Des.

The abdomen on this species looks very strange - like it doesn't belong almost as if it's been stuck on.

Bruce

They are rather odd-looking creatures. I've always thought it looks like someone painted front end! Very beautiful though.

[Bruce Williams]

E-S - Yes they are a visually striking species aren't they - particularly when viewed close-up. I was surprised to find this one on a fence post as its bright green cephalothorax made it really stand out. I would have thought this would be a real disadvantage to a hunting/ambushing spider?

Bruce

[Venger]

Not if you're on a leaf or tree, which is it's usual habitat
That and maybe its prey can't see colours?

[Bruce Williams]

Yes that was my point - a tree or shrub is where I would have expected to find it - its duo-colouring would work perfectly in that situation .

Interesting suggestion that their prey may not see colours. My initial thought was - I have photographed many well camouflaged spiders - but then realised that those spiders may well be camouflaged to reduce the risk that they may be predated upon themselves.

Bruce