Unknown spider please help!

cheetah85 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:42 PM

Hello everyone, im new to this site. I recently bought a box of small crickets for my bearded dragon and amongst the contence was a very small (approx 2-3mm) black/dark brown spider that has white markings on its abdomen which is about 5 times the size of its head. Unfortunatly it has got some saw dust on its back but i think the white markings are spots or similar. It seems to be eating the crickets in the box so i have seperated them but i dont want to let it go outside incase its poisonous or its not use to british winter time and doesnt survive. Thanks for any help with this!

No.9 Spider · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 06:36 PM

I used to occasionally find the odd spider in tubs of crickets I bought. I identified them as Thanatus arenarius, one of the Philodomidae family.
Obviously a photo would be good?

..................and welcome to WAB

No.9 Spider

cheetah85 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 12:43 AM

i have had a look at some pictures on google sites and it doesnt seem to resemble any pic of the thanatus arenaruis, the closest i can find to it is the female araneus quadratus but its black and white not red backed and its legs seem to be completely black, i will try and get a picture of it to upload soon.

No.9 Spider · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 10:19 AM

Have a look at the Steatoda species, maybe Steatoda nobilis or Steatoda bipunctata, it may be a juvenile.
From your description, the possibilities are endless! Will await a photo.

No.9 Spider