Huge Tegenaria sp?

[SusieBee]

Originally Posted by frits_b

The species of Tegenaria may sometimes be determined by examination of the sternum (the underside of the 'head part' of the spider). Quite a few species have a distinctive pattern on the sternum.

Hi frits_b, I recently managed to get pic of sternum pattern on my Tegenaria.



Could this pattern be distinctive enough to determine species? Be grateful for any help.

Cheers SusieBee

[frits_b]

Hi Susie,

How did you manage that? Pretty good pic. The sternum pattern is certainly visible. Comparing it with the patterns in my literature T. domestica, T. atrica and T. agrestis match this one the best.

Rechecking the abdominal pattern from your first post, I think T. agrestis is less likely than the other two.

As No. 9 Spider pointed out, this kind of analysis will not lead to a definitive species determination. Still, it's nice to be able to make an educated guess

[SusieBee]

Thanks Frits_b,

Oh she's a right poser I often find her like that.

I've been keeping a good eye on her during cold weather. Got some better pics today, still looking real healthy.

Thanks also for all the info. Ah so it's possibly T.domestica or T.atrica, quite releaved it's not T.agrestis after reading up about that one!

Had been googling images of sternum patterns very confusing for a beginner but still fascinating.

Cheers SusieBee