Spider meets his match!

[henrya]

Excellent pictures, Matt1. I think this may be a small Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus). Did you see it jump? Have you any pictures from the top?

henrya

[Helen]

Which photos are you referring to henry? Can we have a link please?

[henrya]

Sorry, Helen.they are the recent ones loaded into the Spider Gallery. There are four together, but one seems to be of a different spider. The following might take you to one, but I don't really know how to do this link thing!


http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ga...tshismatch.jpg

henrya

PS Yes, it works (for me). The spider really is very small - what county do you live in, Matt1?

[Helen]

Great stuff, yes it worked henry! Thanks.

[Matt 1]

Hi Henrya
I live in Ilford in Essex.
No I didn't see it jump but I think you are right and that it is a jumping spider.
The other photo is of another spider as you say.
I will have to look to see if I have taken one from above but I usually try to get very close and head on if possible.
Best wishes
Steve (Matt1)

[nightshade]

I like jumping spiders,nice pic what did you use?

[Matt 1]

Hi
Do you mean what camera did I use?
The camera is a Ricoh R2
If you need any further Info please ask
Best wishes
Steve (Matt1)

[henrya]

Hi Steve

Quote
I live in Ilford in Essex.
Endquote

That's interesting - close to the range of the smaller and much rarer Salticus zebraneus, but I don't think it can be that as it is previously only recorded from tree trunks in old woodland, and the habitat of your specimen is completely typical of Salticus scenicus.

Quote
No I didn't see it jump but I think you are right and that it is a jumping spider.
Endquote

With those eyes, in that arrangement, it has to be a jumping spider.

henrya

[henrya]

Thanks steve, for the latest picture:-

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/ga...rya_556898.jpg

Though it's a bit chancy to identify many spiders from photogs alone, I'm pretty sure, having seen this picture, that this is indeed a Zebra Spider (Salticus scenicus). Though peak activity is in May, June and July, there are records for all months of the year. Possibly this is not fully adult, which would explain why it is so small.

henrya

[henrya]

I should have said that these little creatures are really cute, and maybe even serious arachnophobes would take a different view if introduced to one of these.

henrya