Two spiders for id please

[Juliet1200]

Hi,

Could anybody tell me what these two are? I think the first is a crab spider?

There were several of the second type. Am I right in thinking there's a male and a female here? I suspect I'm responsible for the missing legs - I disturbed all sorts while clearing out behind some plant pots.

Also, could anybody recommend a book for identifying spiders - nothing too technical. Wouldn't mind something that covers other invertebrates too if there's a half decent one.

Thanks,

Juliet

[RobAtkinson1]

First one looks like Xysticus sp possibly Xysticus cristatus. No idea about the second. As for spider books, I would recommend the Collins Field Guide of Spiders, Britain and Northern Europe by Michael J Roberts.

[Meta menardi]

I agree with Rob on his ID and on the book recomendation. If you do buy the Roberts book, it is well worth starting right at the begining, and red some of it, then look at the superb plates, then go back and read some more. It is a lighthearted book, with a lot of personality in the writing, and it tells tales that are fascinating.

[RobAtkinson1]

Has to be said though that with some species the book cannot be used as a completely reliable source for id's. For example with Tegenaria sp it makes abdominal patterns more obvious to see than it actually is.

[frits_b]

The second and third spider are Neriene montana, a male and female indeed.

[Juliet1200]

Thanks guys. Collins book duly ordered from Amazon- should save a few posts on here :-)

Juliet