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 #10Clue: Might muffle dog noise.
Never knowingly seen one in real life but how about a "Bark Sac Spider", they can bite as well but not deadly just painful.
Regards Shane
My Photos in Flickr.
Good call S but reinforces why I steer well clear of spids lol!!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
You were quick off the mark Shane. I've never heard of it but it fits the clue.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Cheers you two, I had only heard of it as the misses really has a phobia about spiders and I was trying to prove to her ages ago there are no dangerous ones in this country. I found out there may not be deadly ones but there are some that have a nasty bite so that backfired on me lol.
The only truly good spiders are the ones which stay outside lol!
Good call,forgot this one can be found in the u.k.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Clue: Lost a ironic cubical?
You nailed it S! Swot lol!
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Bark sac spider (Clubiona corticalis). First a bit about the clues! First clue: Might muffle dog noise. If a dog was to ‘bark’ into a sack (yes, I can’t think of a reason, why a dog would do that, but bear with me) the sound may appear muffled and not quite as loud. The second clue: Lost a ironic cubical? This is simply an anagram of the Latin for Bark sac spider, Clubiona corticalis.
Found in both broad-leaved and mixed woodland, the Bark sac spider can also occur and around houses, under stones and in leaf litter. They have also been recorded in squirrel dreys and bird nests. They are nocturnal. Both male and female Bark sac spiders can grow up to 10mm. With glossy reddy-brown legs and carapace, Bark sac spiders have dark brown jaws and chevron marks on the rear of their abdomens. As hunters, they do not build a web in which to ensnare their prey.
A picture of a Bark sac spider is found here.
Did you know that: in addition to being found in Europe, Bark sac spiders are also found in Central Asia.
Keep an eye out (or eight) for next week’s Mystery spider quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire
Nice one Shane