Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Spider ID - Larinioides cornutus?
Posted by HTK on 24-07-2013 12:13
#1
Web-building spider found in a gravel pit near Mechernich (Eifel, Germany) in May. The (incomplete) orb net was fixed between single reeds close to a large pond. Obviously genus Larinioides, the habitat seems to indicate Larinioides cornutus although there are quite similar species. Is it possible to be sure about the species on the basis of the pictures? I'd be grateful for your comments.
Edited by HTK on 24-07-2013 12:15
Posted by HTK on 24-07-2013 12:19
#2
A second picture:
Posted by Sundew on 25-07-2013 00:35
#3
Species ID is impossible from photos. We cannot discriminate between
L. cornutus and
L. suspicax (see key in
http://www.aranea...arinioides). However, most
Larinioides species, also
L. cornutus, spin orb webs close to water.
L. suspicax is said to live in dry localities. So your spider might well be
L. cornutus, whereas I photographed a similar one on a dry meadow - in this case I suppose
L. suspicax. Nevertheless it's but a guess!
Posted by HTK on 25-07-2013 22:53
#4
Hallo Sundew,
once again many thanks for your generous support. I had tried the key you included to determine a species some time ago, and I think it's great to have it available on the internet, but it's much too complex for me, so I gave up using it. It presupposes much more detailed knowledge, the insect itself and not just the photo, and on top of this the necessary equipment for a scientific examination. On the other hand one obviously needs it for precise spider determinations in the trickier cases. For the simpler tasks I find the Collins Field Guide by Michael Roberts very useful. This means, as you say, that one has to be satisfied with an approximate determination in many cases, definitely in the case of Larinioides. But it's better than nothing ...
Best wishes,
Hans Theo K.
Edited by HTK on 25-07-2013 22:57
Posted by Sundew on 26-07-2013 13:00
#5
No exorbitant thanks, please - I am just a nature photographer as you; however, I have a head start of 6 years! In this time I've learned an enormous lot in various entomological forums (BTW, spiders are
not insects :P). Concerning spiders, I like this book:
http://www.amazon...3440107469.
Moreover, if you know that your spider is a
Larinioides you know better than most people in Cologne, but if you know it might even be
L. cornutus you know better than most people in Germany - so what?
Edited by Sundew on 26-07-2013 13:11
Posted by HTK on 26-07-2013 20:11
#6
Hallo Sundew,
I like your comment, but you'd definitely earned a sincere thank you. Spider and insect - of course, it must have been pretty late!!! Thanks for the book link.
Kind regards,
Hans Theo K.
Edited by HTK on 26-07-2013 20:11