ID help

[UB4 gardener]

I know i have seen pictures of a spider similar to this somewhere but i can't find it. Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Chris

very distinctive black spinnerets.

[No.9 Spider]

One of the Linyphiidae - Ostearius melanopygius, a distinctive spider.

[UB4 gardener]

thanks No.9 looking at the distribution not particularly common in my neck of the woods in Dorset either.

Chris

[No.9 Spider]

From the BAS Website:

Ostearius melanopygius (O. P.-Cambridge, 1879)

Status: The spider's association with rubbish-tips and refuse, and the knowledge that it occurred in Madeira and the Azores, led Bristowe (1939) to suggest that it had been imported from the Atlantic islands. Importation from New Zealand has also been suggested (Locket & Millidge 1953), but it is more likely to have been exported from Britain to New Zealand (P. Merrett, pers. comm.).
Adults are found from spring through to autumn. Distribution: The species is widespread in much of England, but very scattered elsewhere. It is cosmopolitan and widespread in Europe as far north as Sweden in Scandinavia. Habitat and ecology:
O. melanopygius occurs in a very wide range of habitats, particularly rubbish heaps and gardens, and occasionally occurring indoors. It is a frequent aeronaut. Adults of both sexes are found throughout the year, with most recorded in summer and autumn or early winter. Author of profile: D.R. Nellist

[naturegirl]

Hi guys

I do not recognise this spider from my region?

How big/small is this guy?

You mention rubbish tips, does that mean large, council owned rubbish tips or maybe just rubbish in our gardens?

Thanks

Naturegirl

[No.9 Spider]

They are pretty small at 3mm female, 2.5 male so often overlooked. They do occur in gardens, but no idea whether the term 'rubbish tip' includes those as big as landfill sites.

[naturegirl]

Thanks No.9 Spider

Naturegirl