Raft Spider, Coombe Heath – Arne
Time for a bit more catching up from September and a visit to Arne.
The small, peat stained pools dotted around the heath appear to contain a stable population of Raft Spiders. The way the spiders use the hairs on their front legs to feel for the slightest change in water tension is incredible. A bit disconcerting to realise that the entire pool is a “web.” With several mature Raft Spiders to be found 2017 must have been a good year.
….. another Raft Spider waiting to strike on Coombe Heath
Wasp Spider, Coombe Heath – Arne
Also to be found in the long grass and tussocks the UK’s most glamorous spider – the appropriately named Wasp Spider. Simply unmistakable. Despite it’s size it can be tricky to find however a characteristic zig-zag pattern weaved through the web (as per the photo above) indicates their presence.
The underside of a Wasp Spider
Interesting to note the yellow, black and white pattern doesn’t fully extend across the spiders abdomen. Presumably not a wise idea to attract attention to the spiders most vulnerable area.
One of thousands of Garden Cross Spiders found across Coombe Heath
The sheer number of Garden Cross Spiders to be found is staggering. With their webs extending across every single piece of Gorse the early morning sunshine can reveal a spectacular sight with the dew-covered cobwebs glistening across the heathland.