Smallish male web spider ID

[Lord V]

Spotted this guy on a windowsill. About 3,5mm body length. Taken today.
Brian V.

[No.9 Spider]

Linyphiidae and probably a Bolyphantes sp. of which there are two species B.Luteolus the most common and B. alticeps a more Northerly recorded species.
Nice photo's by the way, showing good diagnostic features (palp area and raised carapace). Unfortunately a microscope job for positive i.d.

[Lord V]

Originally Posted by No.9 Spider

Linyphiidae and probably a Bolyphantes sp. of which there are two species B.Luteolus the most common and B. alticeps a more Northerly recorded species.
Nice photo's by the way, showing good diagnostic features (palp area and raised carapace). Unfortunately a microscope job for positive i.d.

Thanks for the ID ideas and comments - appreciated
Brian v.

[MattPrince]

Forgive me..but.. I was under the impression that both bolyphantes species were paler than this example, and I haven't seen any pictures where bolyphantes sp have clearly ringed legs.

This looks more like a leptyphantes species to me, doesn't this genus also have a (slightly) raised carapace (like many linyphids)?

It has to be said though - my experience of bolyphantes in the field is nill, and my experience of leptyhphantes is minimal. So I'm happy to be corrected.

Best Regards,
Matt

[No.9 Spider]

Similar in appearance, Lepthyphantes being my first thought from the distinct spines on the pedipalps. The carapace on this specimen is raised and narrows almost to a point in the ocular area, typical for Bolyphantes.
Unless it's under my microscope I'd never guarantee an i.d. 100% though!