Spider having lunch

[Dave66]

Hi Guys

I saw this spider today dragging it's lunch over a rock in my garden. If you could put a name to the spider I would be most grateful. I know the photo's aren't great but I thought it was worth while putting them in as it's the first spider I've photographed while he/she is eating.



Cheers

Dave.

[Jason Green]

Morning Dave,

It's a Wolf Spider from the Lycosidae family. It is most likely a Pardosa sp., and P. armentata is the name usually given to these ones with striped legs and a series of white markings on the abdomen - but I don't know how scientifically-reliable that is!

As far as the prey item is concerned, I almost recognise the wing venation (distinctive shape with looped vein - most likely belonging to the Nematocera sub-order of Diptera) and long-leg combination - but I can't quite place that as well...

Take care,

Jason