Spider with tiger-like markings on abdomen

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks - 7th February 2010. There were several of these spiders spread out along the fence - two of them were carrying a single larva at the pedicel.

Size: Pls. check scale bar.

Help with identification appreciated as always:



Bruce

[frits_b]

Linyphiidae, looks like a Tenuiphantes species; checking out some pictures, it looks like T. mengei and T. cristatus could be possibilities (these species were previously in the Lepthyphantes genus). Of course, this is the hardest family...

[Geoff F]

. . . and of course there is Bathyphantes sp. as well.

I think it really comes down to counting the metatarsus spines although that will only narrow things down a bit.

I think I'm correct in saying Bathyphantes; 0 metatarsus spines. Lepthyphantes nebulosus, L. leprosus, L. minutus & L. alacris; 2 or more metatarsus spines. All other Lepthyphantes (including L. cristatus & L. mengei); 1 spine only.

Additionally, I think the tibia of L. cristatus should have several fairly long spines. But from here onwards, it is really just guesswork.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help guys. Looks like this one is going to remain a mystery.

Bruce