Yellow and black spider, unidentified, in Derby 2011-04-21

[Malkie]

I was walking along the Northern Greenway on the outskirts of Derby yesterday and spotted this spider making a kill. Unfortunately, as I approached, a breeze spun both spider and partially-wrapped prey wildly, making a better picture impossible. It had rather long yellow and black legs with a yellow and black body. It retreated into a crack with its prey and I couldn't get any better image than this:



The only thing that looks like it in my books is a spitting spider, scytodes thoracica, but this was outside and a good 400 yards away from human habitation. As I was trying to use a camera I didn't have my glasses on so I didn't even get better views with the naked eye. Assistance would be appreciated.

[frits_b]

Looks like a Metellina to me; considering the habitat, most likely M. merianae.

[Malkie]

Originally Posted by frits_b

Looks like a Metellina to me; considering the habitat, most likely M. merianae.

Thank you very much indeed. I'll go back to where I saw it and see if I can get a better view or picture. Thanks again.