A Eurasian Running Crab Spider Protecting It’s Egg Mass

There were five or six of these on the underside of our rotating drum composter. They came to light when I rotated the drum. I am guessing that it is a grass funnel spider perhaps of the genus Agelenopsis. I may, of course, have it all wrong… again!

comments (5)

Calbost Niel

Lion

A lovely shot Posted 4 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! Much appreciated. Posted 4 years ago

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

The overall look, eye-pattern and egg case remind me of a running crab spider, family Philodromidae. Gary, did you notice with these spiders if the front two legs were longer than the rest? I think you can see that here despite the legs not being outstretched. It's a physical marker for this family of spiders. Posted 4 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Hello Ruth, yes, I had my doubts about the ID. The eye pattern was not right for the ID. I shall try to get another photo. Hopefully my “subjects” will still be there. Posted 4 years ago
2. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you Ruth, I will post another photo later. G Posted 4 years ago

The Philodromid Crab Spider

"Philodromus dispar" is a philodromid crab spider found on trees and bushes. It is an agile hunter. The female of the species is variable in size and colour. The male is shiny and iridescent black or dark brown with white edges.

Info 7 0

Similar species: Spiders

Species identified by gary fast