Which spider?

PeterD · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 10:14 PM

Seen on a nettle leaf which should give a scale to work from.

Thanks
Peter

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 10:26 PM

Hi Peter!

It's a running crab spider of the genus Philodromus, likely Philodromus aureolus. I saw my first in the garden this year.

PeterD · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 10:46 PM

Thanks Jason. This one was in the old Chalk Quarry (now an SSSI site) at the foot of Portsdown Hill. This spot has become a favourite location for me. It also has a pair of Peregine Falcons nesting at the top of the cliff face.
Peter

Venger · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 11:04 PM

You can't tell which species from visuals - best bet is just to stick to genus - Philodromus spp
There's only a few which are identifiable to species from visuals (male P.dispar for instance)

PeterD · #5 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venger

You can't tell which species from visuals - best bet is just to stick to genus - Philodromus spp
There's only a few which are identifiable to species from visuals (male P.dispar for instance)

Thanks for replying Venger.
You are probably right. It's proving difficult with spiders.
Peter