Vizit It - Wildlife to Visit

Wildlife to Visit of the Order Araneae

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta )

Bluebell woods.

Carpet of Bluebells. © Angie Muldowney cc

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta )

Bluebell woods.

Carpet of Bluebells. © Angie Muldowney cc

There are 3 wildlife species pictured below. Some species can only be seen during certain months. Wildlife that has been observed at this time of year are shown first preceeded by a green bar. Wildlife that can be seen at a different time of year is show last preceeded by a blue bar.

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Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius)

All year round.

Family: Pisauridae

Habitat: Marsh, coastal grazing marsh and lowland fen.

Size: ♀ Length 20 mm (0.8 in). Leg span 70 mm (2.8 In).

Food: Aquatic invertebrates (pond skaters etc), dragonfly larvae, small fish and smaller aquatic spiders.

Season: All year round.

IUCN Conservation Status: Threatened - Vulnerable

A semi-aquatic predatory spider that hunts from perches at the waters edge.

Fen Raft Spider (Dolomedes plantarius) ♂ © GreenZeb cc

(Myrmarachne formicaria)

All year round.

Family: Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)

Habitat: Grasslands and sea cliffs.

Size: ♀ 5-6 mm ( 0.2 in)

Food: Spiders and insects.

Season: All year round.

This jumping spider is an ant mimic.

Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi)

Early July to late September.

Family: Araneidae (Orbweb Spiders)

Habitat: Grasslands.

Size: ♀ 11-15 mm (0.4-0.6 in) ♂ 4-4.5 mm (0.2 in).

Food: Grasshoppers.

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The female eats the male after mating unless the male escapes.