Spiders for ID

[PeterD]

These were seen today in Denmead Woods.

Spider 1

I noticed a large web strung between several thistles. The spider was not in the web but I knew it must be on one of the plants. Sure enough, here it is very well camouflaged. The body id circular with a narrow neck and head in the lower part of the image.

Spider 2

and


Spider 3


Spider 4

and


Spider 5


Spider 6

and


Thanks in anticipation

[Jason Green]

Evening Peter!

#1: Common Garden Spider, Araneus diadematus. Gravid female I think.

#2: Try Metallina segmentata?

#3: Sorry, no idea

#4: Common Garden Spider, Araneus diadematus

#5: Not sure...

#6: Common Garden Spider, Araneus diadematus

Take care,

Jason

[Geoff F]

If I may have a guess at the other two. No. 3, Meta segmenta male. No. 5 another Meta segmenta but a female from an odd angle, judging from what is visible of the abdomen.

But these are guesses not confirmed identifications.

[PeterD]

Good evening Jason and Geoff. Thanks for replying and offering your IDs. From what you have provided, I can conclude that the only real way of determining the Common Garden spider is through the markings. The number od form differences seems to be associated by the sex but the colours can be very variable.

I do not have any more shots of #5 at different angles.

This spider I saw today in Creech Woods Denmead. It is a hunting spider (I think) and is quite large. To give some indication of size, it is sitting on a mature nettle leaf.



Thanks again

[Geoff F]

No doubt about that one. Pisaura mirabilis. The way it sits with the first and second legs together, almost looking like it only has 6 legs, is typical of the species.

The best hope of getting a confirmed ID of spiders is to photograph them from a couple of different angles. And, as you remarked, colouration can be variable so it is only a guide; but often a useful starting point.

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

No doubt about that one. Pisaura mirabilis. The way it sits with the first and second legs together, almost looking like it only has 6 legs, is typical of the species.

The best hope of getting a confirmed ID of spiders is to photograph them from a couple of different angles. And, as you remarked, colouration can be variable so it is only a guide; but often a useful starting point.

Thanks Geoff.

Here is another one for ID. This spider was found under loose bark on a tree trunk. It shot off after I took this photo so I did not get a chance to photograph it at a different angle.

[frits_b]

This last one looks like Amaurobius sp. to me!

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by frits_b

This last one looks like Amaurobius sp. to me!

Thank you frits. I shall look up your suggestion on the web.