brown and cream spider ID

sebastianbawn · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 08:34 PM

Found this spider near a lake in Bude, Devon. I hoped the web and markings may be distinctive. Approx 10mm from memory. Any ideas?

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2010, 08:28 PM

It is difficult to tell from a small photo at that angle. Possibly more information about the web may help to narrow down the possibilities.

That very fine webbing, with the spider hanging underneath does look a bit like Linyphiidae family. Was the web on foliage above ground level, say between 1 ft and 3 ft or at ground level? Was it a flat sheet web or was there a tunnel shaped retreat for the spider?

I am seeing some Neriene peltata underneath similar webs at the moment. But mostly in woodland. There are a few other species of Neriene or Linyphia which have similar colours and may be worth considering.

sebastianbawn · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2010, 08:44 PM

Neriene and Linyphia are too small. I was thinking more Pisaura? The web seems to fit

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010, 06:49 PM

Pisaura only spin webs to 'restrain' their young. Is it too early for them to be building a 'nursery' area yet? I haven't seen any so far this year, and they start off their reproduction by carrying around the eggs inside an egg sac. I haven't seen that either this year.

I suppose it is possible that there are some just hatched spiders inside the web area but I'm far from convinced.

The spider abdomen appears to be a bit too deep for Pisaura so does anybody else have any suggestions?

No.9 Spider · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010, 07:36 PM

My first thought was that it reminded me of Dictyna arundinacea. It's definitely the wrong profile for Pisaura mirabilis.

No.9 Spider

sebastianbawn · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010, 08:34 PM

All good suggestions but too small. I think I may have overestimated the size it was probably closer to 7mm, wish I would have got more pics of it now!!