Spider for ID please

Cordaline · #1 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 01:23 PM

Can anyone ID this spider for me please?
It was in the moth trap this morning with a Light Brown Apple Moth in it's clutches.
We put it on a pot plant & 5 minutes later spotted it on the fence devouring a Heart & Dart!
It scuttled sideways in a skittish movement when it was on the table.

No.9 Spider · #2 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 01:29 PM

Looks like a nice female Marpissa muscosa. One of the Salticidae family - Jumping spiders.

An uncommon species:

Marpissa muscosa distribution:

http://www.britishspiders.org.uk/htm...nsys0000008764

Cordaline · #3 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No.9 Spider

Looks like a nice female Marpissa muscosa. One of the Salticidae family - Jumping spiders.

An uncommon species:

Marpissa muscosa distribution:

The Updated Distribution Maps - British Arachnological Society

Ooh, thanks for that.
So if it's uncommon, should i be notifying someone of it then?
If so, who?
Thanks,
Cordaline.

Meta menardi · #4 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 04:20 PM

What a beauty! I don't know where you are located ( Oh, Berkshire), but you should have an Ecological Data Centre somewhere near you (http://www.tverc.org/), I would record it with them. Very envious, I have only seen one once and they are rather impressive.

No.9 Spider · #5 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 09:57 PM

Your best option would be to contact the British Arachnological Society Spider Recording Scheme as they are constantly compiling records on a national level.

Spider Recording Scheme
Mr Peter R. Harvey, SRS National Organiser, 32 Lodge Lane, GRAYS, Essex. RM16 2YP

E-mail: srsATbritishspiders.org.uk

You will need accurate co-ordinates for the find and description of habitat etc for the records. If you email Peter he'll confirm requirements. I would imagine in this instance for this species that the photo' will suffice for i.d. so you could attach that in your email. I don't have the details for area recorders to hand at the moment.

Cordaline · #6 (**permalink**) 16-06-2011, 05:58 AM

Thanks Meta & No.9 for your info.
I'll get on the case.

She was still wedged into the fence with the Heart & Dart (see below) last night.
My one regret is i didn't get a macro shot of her face!

I shall keep my eyes open for her again.

Meta menardi · #7 (**permalink**) 16-06-2011, 04:27 PM

Lovely beast, I would love to see any more photos you can get of this. Any with the palps and, as you say the front view would be great.

Cordaline · #8 (**permalink**) 16-06-2011, 08:30 PM

I have e-mailed Peter Harvey & the TVERC with the details & a photo.

This is the only other photo I took.

Cordaline · #9 (**permalink**) 17-06-2011, 06:52 AM

I've heard back from Peter Harvey already this morning.

There have only been 298 recordings since 1882.
It's national status is Nb.

It gives me a great feeling to know I've come across & been able to add data on such a rare species.

Thanks again for steering me in the right direction.

No.9 Spider · #10 (**permalink**) 17-06-2011, 12:39 PM

Excellent Stuff and an important record. It's nice to have a rare species that is readily identifiable by photographic evidence (for a change!).
There have been a number of interesting specimens on WAB over the years that could not be 100% reliably identified without microscopical examination but may have proven good records. Unfortunately it would have been necessary to retain the specimen (possibly preserved).