Magnificent spider

[mickmassie]

I am yet to be convinced it is A quadratus. The colour, size and puncture spacing comments could apply to A diadematus. I have taken many photos of gravid A quadratus. M.

[mickmassie]

Just to add a little something to the discussion, here is a spider that turned up in my neighbour's kitchen a few years ago, taken on 5mm square paper so you can see the size. I was convinced at first glance that it was something extraordinary, but it turned out to be a gravid Araneus diadematus.



M.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by mickmassie

I am yet to be convinced it is A quadratus.

Not a problem, I like a challenge!

Please see the attached image, comparing the key points:

1. Large, round abdomen - tapers in A. diadematus
2. Abdomen markings thinner, and continue past A. diadematus' margin area
3. Carapace equating to a lesser percentage of bodily area

[Meta menardi]

[quote=Jason Green;544390]Not a problem, I like a challenge!

Please see the attached image, comparing the key points:

[list=1][*]Large, round abdomen - tapers in A. diadematus[*]Abdomen markings thinner, and continue past A. diadematus' margin area[*]Carapace equating to a lesser percentage of bodily area
QUOTE]

Stick with it, you are right.

[MaternalLove]

I don't know if this photo helps, but I'm rather proud of it anyway! She posed beautifully and you can even see the hair on her head and legs. There was a tangle of web around the base of the rhubarb, which may well have been hers.

[Bruce Williams]

MaternalLove,

That second pic really is a beautiful composition - altogether very pleasing artistically - well done!

Interesting thread too.

Bruce