ID : Five Spiders.

[Geoff F]

The fifth certainly looks like a Pardosa species and P. amentata is a possible answer. But so is P. hortensis and this family can vary considerably in markings, so I wouldn't be confident about attaching any definite name tag to it.

The eyes of the third specimen do appear to match Clubiona but there are several almost identical species. C. comta is, certainly amongst the 'likely candidates' with C. corticalis probably being a bit on the large side.

But being in the south west, the less common C. genevensis is possible, although I wouldn't put any money on that one.

And although the eyes appear to match Clubiona, some of the Liocranidae family may also fit. It really needs someone with more experience than me to decide on the width of the eye grouping. The Liocranidae eye group is a bit narrower.

[Andrew C]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

The fifth certainly looks like a Pardosa species and P. amentata is a possible answer. But so is P. hortensis and this family can vary considerably in markings, so I wouldn't be confident about attaching any definite name tag to it.

The eyes of the third specimen do appear to match Clubiona but there are several almost identical species. C. comta is, certainly amongst the 'likely candidates' with C. corticalis probably being a bit on the large side.

But being in the south west, the less common C. genevensis is possible, although I wouldn't put any money on that one.

And although the eyes appear to match Clubiona, some of the Liocranidae family may also fit. It really needs someone with more experience than me to decide on the width of the eye grouping. The Liocranidae eye group is a bit narrower.

Evening Geoff,

Thanks for adding your two pence worth, I appreciate it. When I went through the AIDGAP key for some earlier spiders I found it hard sometimes to decide how the eyes were arranged and which they best fitted sometimes.

I see that you are in Devon too so I would like to ask if there are any scheduled field meetings for spiders or such this year that you know of?

Regards,
Andrew.

[Geoff F]

Hello Andrew. I'm way south of you; about as far south as you can get in Devon (it's a big county isn't it!).

Recently, I joined the Devonshire Association The Devonshire Association | Home Page and in particular the Entomology Section. They are having a few meetings this year which could interest you. March 12th at Kingskerswell is a beetle talk and on June 18th they are having an Archnid Day at Aylesbeare. This meeting, apparently will include using ID keys and have microscopes etc available.

Other meetings during the year include butterflies, dragonflies, potter wasps and moth trapping.

There is also a Peninsular Invertebrate Forum although I haven't found out anything about that yet. I think I should have an internet address somewhere.

Personally, I'm trying to specifically learn hoverflies and harvestmen (rather slowly) but anything else which 'sticks it's head in front of my camera' also gets snapped.

There are a few local wildlife associations in the county but although I am in contact with a few members I generally prefer to wander around the more obscure sites mostly on my own.

I will try to find a few other links which you may find useful.

[Geoff F]

This person is part of the Peninsular Invertebrate Forum Staff details although the actual forum does appear to be a bit difficult to actually track down.

You may also find parts of the Devon Wildlife Trust useful http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/index.php

[Andrew C]

Evening Geoff,

Sorry for the late reply as I had problems using this website. Thanks for the heads up on the Devonshire Association meetings. The arachnid day certainly interests me greatly, I am sure I shall make it.

I thought of joining this association before and I think I will do so now. I did not see the Arachnid day on their webpages so is it delivered in a different format elsewhere? Potter Wasps and Moth trapping are another good event for me. The botany section is also attractive as I could do with help on flowers, etc.

If you live right at the deepest south of Devon then that certainly is good fortune. Whenever I have a day down in the South Hams I feel at ease and regret heading home.

Thanks,
Andrew.

[Geoff F]

I think, Andrew, that you have to join and specify an interest in the Entomology Section. I believe Phil Cook is still in charge of that section.

Eventually, I joined last year after considering it for a while. Initially I was a little concerned about it being chiefly led by university types with a string of letters after their names.

I left school at 17 a long time ago; and with only 4 GCEs at the end of it. Then I got a job which didn't require qualifications so in many ways that extra year was a total waste of time. Nowadays, the very idea of anything concerning a university seems somewhat alien and disconnected with my current life.

But I have had some help with identification from some of the members.

Last year I did go on the local section's historic walk around Tavistock which I found to be interesting and the other members were very friendly. I have missed a few events recently due to having the flu but will probably manage to make the beetle talk.

[Andrew C]

Evening Geoff,

So, it's a one off membership fee then you opt in to the sections you wish to be part of then?

I discussed this with a friend today and it was agreed as being good value for money with so many interests covered.

I went to Uni myself but equally feel awed by Uni types with alphabet spaghetti after their names.

Regards,
Andrew.

[Geoff F]

They also offer a discounted life membership option. But whether that really is good value depends on your age.

[pleb]

Hello everyone,

In Devon, the person to contact re the identification of spiders is Pete Smithers,
P.Smithers@plymouth.ac.uk who is an expert on the subject. I see also that he is leading an 'Arachnid Day' on 18 June at Aylesbeare Common in Devon. For details see
Arachnid Day with Pete Smithers - Devonshire Association event listing - Amateur Entomologists' Society (AES)

Hope this helps. Pete is a very approachable chap who I am sure would be willing to help with identifications.

Phil Pullen (a Devon amateur botanist)

[Andrew C]

Originally Posted by pleb

Hello everyone,

In Devon, the person to contact re the identification of spiders is Pete Smithers,
P.Smithers@plymouth.ac.uk who is an expert on the subject. I see also that he is leading an 'Arachnid Day' on 18 June at Aylesbeare Common in Devon. For details see
Arachnid Day with Pete Smithers - Devonshire Association event listing - Amateur Entomologists' Society (AES)

Hope this helps. Pete is a very approachable chap who I am sure would be willing to help with identifications.

Phil Pullen (a Devon amateur botanist)

Evening Phil,

I have been in touch with Pete asking for spaces on the day as that is one I greatly wish to attend. Hopefully I shall be lucky enough. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I forgot!

Regards,
Andrew.