Xysticus - but which species?

Geoff F · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 05:01 PM

As you all did so well with my previous question, here is another unidentified from June. Still in S. Devon and among rough grass adjoining a wood beside an estuary.

I'm happy with Xysticus (but willing to be changed) but can't get much further. After checking numerous references X. luctuosus seems possible although X. robustus also looks promising. But both are rare although X. luctuosus has been recorded previously in this area.

So any suggestions as to a possible species. I know it won't be 100% certain but I will willingly settle for a 'most likely, answer.

No.9 Spider · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 06:05 PM

Certainly Xysticus. I think X. luctuosus is highly unlikely as there are only 3 records since 1980, and X. robustus extremely unlikely as there is only one record since 1980 and it's nationally Scarce (Notable A) to boot!. That's not to say you could have recorded records 4 and 2 respectively!
I've not seen such a plain looking Xysticus, as Xysticus go. Anything would be a guess without the usual i.d. Personally I'd guess at X. lanio, but a guess is all it is

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No.9 Spider

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 08:03 PM

X. lanio is something which I had considered and, from the limited images which I have been able to discover, the abdomen looks possible but I'm not over keen on the carapace appearance. Added to which, as far as I am aware, there is only one record from the whole of Devon, and one old record for Cornwall.

This made X. luctuosus with a record on Start Point, just a few miles away, appear more credible. But recordings don't tell the whole story so anything is possible.

This was just a quick snap before it ran off, so for now I will continue with Xysticus sp. and keep wondering. I did see a definite X. cristatus (as sure as you can be from a photo) in the same area a few weeks previously.

Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions.