11
garden in the autumn, and is far more Daddy-Long-Legs spider
common in this situation than in the
countryside. All these species are under-
recorded.
The small green cribellate spider Nigma
walckenaeri is widespread in gardens and
parks along the East Thames region in
south Essex but has also turned up in
Colchester, Harlow, Chelmsford and along
the Crouch. It may well have been
overlooked elsewhere in the county. Look
for it in the late summer and autumn on
leaves like lilac and holly where it makes
its web across the top surface of the leaf
and sits between the web and the leaf
surface.
There are potential surprises to be found -
for example in 1990 Ray Ruffell found a house spider new to Britain in his own house in
Colchester. Scotophaeus scutulatus looks very like the widespread but under-recorded
Mouse spider S. blackwalli and could well have been overlooked. It is widely distributed
in Europe and there seems no real reason why it should not also occur widely in Britain.
The comb-footed spider Achaearanea tepidariorum was rediscovered in the county at
Shoebury near Southend by J. Keeliher in 1994 and has since been found at Great
Wakering by Roger Payne. Segestria florentina and Steatoda nobilis are both established
in the Southend area, with a healthy population of the Steatoda at Roger's house and the
Segestria having bit two members of the public. Both these species are known to be able
to inflict a bite on humans, which although not dangerous can be disconcerting!
House spiders are tough (that is why they can survive in houses) and are quite safe alive
in the post if sent in a small container like an old film capsule. I am also quite happy to
receive pickled specimens (in 60-70% alcohol - gin or vodka will do). I am happy to
refund postage and let you know what you have in your house so what have you got to
lose?
PLEASE SEND ME YOUR SPIDERS!
Peter Harvey, 32 Lodge Lane, Grays, Essex RM16 2YP
WHATS ON: ESSEX FIELD CLUB
The new programme card for 1999/2000 is included with this Newsletter.
Please try to support as many meetings as possible. All members and visitors are welcome
and the meetings provide for a very wide range of interest and expertise.
There is no better way of meeting other members, learning more about our wildlife and
making valuable contributions to our knowledge of the plants,animals and geology of
Essex.
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 29, May l999