Washing Line Spiders

[therealheidi]

I keep finding little spiders all over my washing line (inside pegs) this week. About 3-4mm with 2 dark vertical lines on the abdomen. I'm finding it really hard to ID them as I'm fairly new to this. Does anyone know what species? common name would be useful.
Thanks, H

[No.9 Spider]

The spiders you're finding will possibly be members of the Linyphiidae - Money spiders, common aeronauts at this time of year. (Though having two dark lines on the abdomen could rule them out! A photo would be good as they may be spiderlings of another family). At the moment Linyphiidae are 'ballooning', letting out small lengths of web which carry them when caught by the wind. This is their way of dispersing and they are found miles out to sea as well as at great altitudes.
In my personal experience I've usually found the species are quite often Erigone species with Erigone dentipalpis the most common.
Without the aid of a microscope and identification guides you'll be unable to i.d. the spiders any further than the Linyphiidae unfortunately. Hope this helps.

.............and welcome to WAB

[therealheidi]

Thanks No'9

I don't think it's Linyphiidae family the shape and colouring's are all wrong. Wish I could post a photo but I'm having issues uploading photo's from my mobile. Thank you for the advice it's great to see so many enthusiasts on here armature and experienced!
Cheers, H

[dazultra2000]

I have a load on my washing line too and have taken some photos. I will put some pics up when I get the time as I'd like to know what they are also.

Managed to snap some lovely pics of a big meaty S.Nobilis and also of a candy stripe spider at the same time

[therealheidi]

yey, done it. shame the zoom isn't any better but it's pretty good for a phone!

Funny I never hear a Enoplognatha ovata called a candy stripe before, I've always called them comb-footed I had to look it up to know what species you were talking about.
I'd love to see your photo of the false widow, I've never actually seen one believe it or not!
H

[nikolai_avenger]

Looks like your 'washing line spider' is Zygiella x-notata.

Cheers. Nik.

[therealheidi]

Thanks Nikolai,
That's exactly what it is! Mystery solved.
H

[dazultra2000]

Yep, look the same as the ones I have!

Also have some hiding in some holes in the mortar of my garage not far from where I saw my meaty nobilis.

My garage is a breeding ground for all-sorts!

Got plenty of pholcus, steatoda, zygiella, amaurobius and opiliones in there.