Devon spider

[andrea1]

Hi, I hope someone can help, as this spider is driving me mad!! last week in Devon at the coast (around 25th July) I found a spider in my bedroom which I released out of the window stupidly without taking a photo. However it was so distinctive that I did would be easy to identify.......... So much surfing later, I discovered this web site and hoped that someone would be able to put me out of my misery!! The spider was black approx 3-4 cm, all black body approximately 2 cm long, with some hair but most distinctive were the legs, all the same length, black with bright yellow bands in very clear spots. Thats all I can give you I'm afraid. I hope someone can help !!

Andrea

[NickCantle]

Possibly a Wasp Spider?


Picture taken by withyskinner

[andrea1]

No, sorry. The body was completely black and more oblong in shape. Legs thicker and overall spider was more "chunky". Thanks for the reply 'tho!

Andrea

[Geoff F]

Large, black, chunky with an oblong abdomen and found in the south makes me think about Segestria florentina but not with yellow banded legs; and everything else which I can think of is too small.

Check out Steatoda nobilis (sometimes refered to as a false black widow) and the Tegenaria species. I doubt either of these will be correct but it might be helpful if they can be totally discounted.

But I think this is a question for the experts to consider.

[wildherbalian85]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Large, black, chunky with an oblong abdomen and found in the south makes me think about Segestria florentina but not with yellow banded legs; and everything else which I can think of is too small.

Check out Steatoda nobilis (sometimes refered to as a false black widow) and the Tegenaria species. I doubt either of these will be correct but it might be helpful if they can be totally discounted.

But I think this is a question for the experts to consider.

I though the same about S.Florentina.

Thing is with S.Florentina its back legs are also smaller then its front ones.

Segestria senoculata also sprung to mind but i have since dismissed it due to size.

[andrea1]

Definately more like s.flornetina in size and shape - also looking at Gnaphosidae - these appear similar in shape, not sure about size, but havent found one with banding. Not false widow but thanks for thought!!.

Andrea

[Geoff F]

Moving on to Gnaphosidae will mean a bit of a size drop. Drassodes cupreus is the largest but probably a bit too pale; the same goes for Scotophaeus which is only around 12mm body size. I think all of the others are 10mm or smaller.

But if you are prepared to consider a size reduction you may find that Harpactea rubicunda around 12 mm is worth a look. It is a southern species but normally an outdoors spider of dry grassland etc.

[Action_Man]

Extremely rare but could it be a female Eresus cinnaberinus, i would love to see one myself ...

[Entorien_Scriber]

Originally Posted by Action_Man

Extremely rare but could it be a female Eresus cinnaberinus, i would love to see one myself ...

My thoughts too. One of my most commonly used icons on my blog is the male, hence the description rang a bell. The bands on the legs are a little subtle, but individual patterning could account for that.

Well, that's my best guess anyway. Perhaps one of our experts can give us a clue?

(If it is Eresus cinnaberinus, btw, I will be very jelous of you, I have always wanted to see one!)

[liam71]

very fascinating spider. I was looking to see if it was venomous until i came across a site selling its venom in lyophilized powder form

link here