stowaway spider

[Robert Hooke]

My son has just returned from Corsica with this stowaway in his rucksack, please could someone identify it and advise whether it is a native species here and safe to release? I have other pictures if necessary. The body is about 2cm long and it fills the bottom of a wide tumbler with its legs. Thanks!

[Jim Ford]

Ermm, just don't release it near me!
;^)

Jim

[wildherbalian85]

some sort of Wold Spider by the looks of it

[posie]

Hi Robert, I've just looked at ID chart for uk spiders and can't see one like it.but I don't know if the chart shows ALL UK spiders. We do have some spider experts on here, so I'm sure they will be in to help, in the meantime, keep it 'caged' and put a cover over to keep out the light so it is less stressed...Posie

[No.9 Spider]

If accurate on size then it's not a native species. Definitely Lycosidae species - Wolf spider as has been stated, (possibly Pardosa sp). I'd personally release it and let it scare the local insects for a time .


No.9 Spider

[Robert Hooke]

Thanks all, we are thinking Lycosa oculata maybe as these occur on Corsica and the pictures look about right, but if anyone has a better idea please say! We are probably going to keep it as it is not native, set it up with a habitat this morning etc. We keep locusts and crickets to feed a bearded dragon so feeding it won't be a problem.

[posie]

Originally Posted by Robert Hooke

Thanks all, we are thinking Lycosa oculata maybe as these occur on Corsica and the pictures look about right, but if anyone has a better idea please say! We are probably going to keep it as it is not native, set it up with a habitat this morning etc. We keep locusts and crickets to feed a bearded dragon so feeding it won't be a problem.

..I think as your son brought it home, he should take another trip to Corsica to repatriate it....Posie.

[jaguarondi]

I think it's Hogna radiata, widespread in the countries around the Mediterranean. Possibly not quite adult. Anyway, see-
Commons:Valued image candidates/Hogna radiata (AF)-top 01.png - Wikimedia Commons

[Robert Hooke]

well I think we would end up footing the bill for a return trip, so finding it the odd cricket will be considerably cheaper! Anyway, it does look like Hogna radiata although my son points out that the abdomen of our specimen is smaller than the head, not bigger like the photos we have found. Does this vary according to how much they have eaten? I am planning to feed this one every other day, don't want to overdo it! Thanks for everyone's help!

[Jason Green]

Morning Robert, and welcome to WAB!

Originally Posted by Robert Hooke

...although my son points out that the abdomen of our specimen is smaller than the head, not bigger like the photos we have found. Does this vary according to how much they have eaten?

It could be species-specific (only because I don't know it isn't!), but more likely dehydrated and in need of a meal in my opinion.

Take care,

Jason