Red and yellow spider

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks. 9th January 2011.

Size: ~3mm

Araneidae I think - would appreciate input from our experts:



Bruce

[RobAtkinson]

The closest I can come up with is Araneus alsine.

[frits_b]

Hi Bruce,

This is an Araniella species; look at the two rows of black spots on the abdomen.

[Bruce Williams]

Rob and Frits - Thanks for your help - appreciated as always .

Bruce

[RobAtkinson]

It could be Araniella Displicata

[Bruce Williams]

Rob - I did think about A. displicata as a possible id, however comparing it to a couple of images I posted last year there does look to be quite a difference in abdominal markings (see below). I did wonder about an immature Araniella cucurbitina as I understand that this species is red initially only turning green on maturity (pls correct me if I'm wrong here).

female


male


Bruce

[RobAtkinson]

I don't know about that. Somebody else might be able to help you though.

[frits_b]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Rob - I did think about A. displicata as a possible id, however comparing it to a couple of images I posted last year there does look to be quite a difference in abdominal markings (see below). I did wonder about an immature Araniella cucurbitina as I understand that this species is red initially only turning green on maturity (pls correct me if I'm wrong here).
Bruce

This is what a typical juvenile Araniella opisthographa/cucurbitina looks like. These two species should be distinguished genitally. In this stage, it's impossible to tell the difference.

I think (but I'm not 100% sure) that A. displicata juveniles look similar to adults, that's why I don't think this is one of them.

[Bruce Williams]

Cheers Frits!

Bruce

[sebastianbawn]

Hi, all

I have had this image for 3 years now, and am awaiting some help from the British Arachnological Society. Having come across this thread I hoped someone may be able to help. Is this a juvenile A.displicata?