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 #9Clue: Cod day-care star
I'll open the bidding with Dysdera Crocata,Wood Louse Spider but not certain if that is a U.K. species.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
That's not at all pretty S!!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Don't light the cigar yet it is early days !!
I can hear the fat lady singing!
Clears throat.... remembering I am an alto and not a soprano! Here goes - Clue: Feeling crabby?
'Twas not personal Mrs T!!!
WendyBartter said: I can hear the fat lady singing!
Wicked S! Lol
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata). First a bit about the clues! First clue: Cod day-care star? This is simply an anagram of the Latin for Woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocota. The second clue: Feeling crabby. As their name suggests the diet of the Woodlouse spider are woodlice. Woodlice are crustaceans, as are crabs, hence feeling crabby.
With a dark red thorax and legs, the Woodlouse spider has a yellow-brown abdomen. Males grow up to 10mm and females 15mm. Unlike other UK spiders, the Woodlouse spider has a powerful set of jaws (perfect for crunching through the tough woodlouse armour) and can give a painful nip (rare). A nocturnal hunter, they often frequent compost heaps, rockeries and log piles in search of woodlice.
A picture of a Woodlouse spider is found here.
Did you know that: as a hunter, the Woodlouse spider does not spin a web to entrap its prey, but uses a silk line to its lair.
Keep an eye out (or eight) for next week’s Mystery spider quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire