Not much birding done at all today whilst yesterday, I did manage to sneak a quick walk through a thronging Walthamstow Marshes. Despite the sunny weather and the ton of people out variously cycling and walking with families, friends, dogs and sometimes all three - I still managed to see a few birds.
I counted as many as six singing Common Whitethroats in the tiny pockets of scrub alongside two singing Sedge Warblers. All within a stone's throw of picnicing humans. The best bird of the afternoon was the Peregrine that flew over being chased by a crow.
Later, whilst helping to move a pot plant onto a windowsill, I came across the above photographed spider. I was taken by its size and colouration. It was easily over an inch long and had reddish legs and thorax with a pale abdomen. Consulting my Collins Spiders Field Guide the only things that matched the description was either Dysdera erythrina or more likely, Harpactea hombergi. Being a bit on the big side, I decided that I'd let it go about it's business and not to disturb it for a proper photocall.
Anyone knows what it is?
2 comments:
Most likely Dysdera crocata "The Woodlouse Spider". Dysdera erythrina looks very similar and is larger but also rarer and not normally associated with human habitation.
Thanks very much Rob!
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