Often confused as insects (despite having no antennae) spiders, though they are also members of the Arthropod phylum, belong to the largest order of Arachnids. In fact, as of 2008, a massive 43,678 spider species have been recorded (that’s a lot of legs!!!!). As you know, each spider has eight legs, and if you look close enough you’ll notice that their mouthparts are primed with tiny fangs. Bizarrely enough I suffer from Arachnophobia, but even I have to admit that this diverse group of creatures are absolutely fascinating and I do hope you will join me for next 12 weeks as I test your spidey senses.Have fun,ClaireMYSTERY SPIDER QUIZ #4Family affair.
There is a spider called a Mothercare Spider which apparently is a very good parent in caring for its family. Probably, way off the mark though.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
I will counter with 'Daddy longlegs' - cellar spider rather than crane fly or Harvestmen. You are probably right TJ
Cin J
Nursery Web Spider? I had never heard of a Mothercare Spider until today something new learnt.
Regards Shane
My Photos in Flickr.
Well, there's two more spiders I've learned about today - thanks to TJ & S!!
And good call CinJ - never thought of that one! My excuse is that I'm still trying to get over the shock of finding as male Giant House Spider on my bedroom curtain the other day ......hooooge he was!!! Took pics but with zoom from the safety of bedroom door! (I blame Mrs T lol!!)
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
I'll try House Spider,that must be family orientated
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Hi,
I am new to all this and joined RSPB to introduce my children to the wonderful world of wildlife, we have just moved into a house that has been empty for nearly a year and with bare floor boards we are having quite a few experiences with spiders, (not great for my husband who is scared stiff of them)I am hoping to find out more about the different species we are sharing our home with and hope that some people here may be able to help identify some.
Anyway here is my answer to the spider quiz: Wolfe Spider as the female carries her babies on the bristles on her back.
Hello Clare, welcome to Communities and the RSPB. Please do post your pictures here and we will be happy to identify them for you. Its that time of year when we inadvertently give spiders a home... these are often male House spiders looking for females. I am not keen on spiders either, think its the movement, but I am fascinated by their diversity all the same. Hope you have fun here.
Take care,
Claire
Clue: mum's the word.
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Mothercare spider (Theridion sisyphium). This spider is also known as the Comb-footed spider. First a bit about the clues! First clue: Family affair. This refers to the fact that the female will stay close to her hatchlings and will allow them to feed on whatever she catches. The second clue: mum's the word. This refers to the female’s unusual habit (for spiders) of sticking with her young once they have hatched.
Mothercare spiders build a tangled web amongst leaves in low vegetation and construct a retreat made of leaves and insect remains. After mating the female keeps a grey/green egg sac with her whilst in her retreat. Female Mothercare spiders range from 3 to 4mm in size, with males a little smaller at 2.5 to 3mm. This spider’s brown and white markings, which can vary, help break up the spiders shape and act as camouflage. Mothercare spiders are widespread and often found on juniper, nettles, thistles as well as oak and blackthorn. They are best looked for in May and June, but can often be found as late as October.
A picture of a Mothercare spider is found here.
Did you know that: despite being small, they can kill wasps and bees!
Keep an eye out (or eight) for next week’s Mystery spider quiz here soon!
TJ is the star this week - well done!!