Spider ID HELP!

isotsha · #1 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:19 PM

Hi there
First time poster and looking for some help ID'ing a spider. I have a few spiders on my balcony that look pretty mean to me......
Sorry for the poor pics but this sucker is a bit camera shy. Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks
Steve

wildherbalian85 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:28 PM

its upside down

isotsha · #3 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:33 PM

Well I'm not going to pick it up just so that I can get a pic of it!

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 11:26 PM

Good evening Isotsha, and welcome to WAB

The legs suggest a spider from the Theridiidae family. It may be a false-widow, not sure without a dorsal. If it gets disturbed (F-W said, I'm not suggesting you disturb it...

) then try for a top-down shot. We have real experts in arachnids here, who will appreciate the angle. I, however, don't know what to look for there so rely on top-downs to get IDs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildherbalian85

its upside down

But that's the scientific angle... epigynes and that!

EDIT: I'm thinking it may be a Linyphiidae member since I haven't been able to match up the lower profile to a false widow.

Venger · #5 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 11:52 PM

Looks like Steatoda nobilis to me.

wildherbalian85 · #6 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venger

Looks like Steatoda nobilis to me.

Yes it does, looks like a male....

Steatoda nobilis photos and info

5th picture up from bottom.....

Venger · #7 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 09:21 PM

Apart from it being female - you can clearly see the epigyne (though not clearly for a 100% confirmation)

isotsha · #8 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 10:06 PM

Thank you all for the replies. So whats best......move it, kill it or what? Kill is always my last option but it's not going to stay there!!!

Venger · #9 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 10:50 PM

If its not directly in your way I'd say leave it. You can move it if you'd like but if its offering a steady food source then another spider will set up home there.

nobbyeverton · #10 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 08:49 PM

Hi All,

Hope you don't mind me hijacking your thread, Isotsha; didn't want to create a new thread which would likely be a twin of this one!

Would a expert please tell me if this is one, too?

I have three of them outside on conservatory windows, plus the one picutred which has made a home inside (three feet from my smoking chair!). From the research I've done prior to posting, I can confirm it has a haphazard web. Sorry for the poor pic quality (didn't think to take in macro mode - will tomorrow).