Spiders are the most familiar member of the Arachnid family of invertebrates. They prey mostly on insects, with many spinning the familiar cobweb that is used to snare prey. Some species however lay in ambush in flowers, grabbing visiting insects, with other species that roam about searching for prey among vegetation.

 

All pictures are Copyright of Richard Revels FRPS

The large and striking Wasp spider Argiope bruennichi is becoming more common in southern England. In Bedfordshire it has been found in a number of locations. This one was photographed during August 2009 in its web near Biggleswade.

At times it rested at the edge of its web.

A Wasp Spider spinning its web.

 

Orb-web spider Araneus quadratus is spinning up a Cranefly that flew into its web.

 

A striking Araneus marmoreus var. pyramidatus spider in its web at Upton Broad, NR. Norfolk.

 

The Garden Spider Araneus diadematus is one of the most common orb-web spiders.

 

The house spider Tegenaria gigantea spins a funnel web and waits for prey to stray onto the wide enterance. This one is in low vegetation outdoors in summer.

 

Crab Spider Xysticus cristatus with bug prey. This is one of the most common Crab spiders.

 

The Zebra Spider Saiticus scenicus stalks prey and leaps on it. It is most often seen on walls, and can jump several inches.

 

The rare Fen Raft Spider Dolomedes plantarius photographed in its only East Anglian habitat, Redgrave and Lopham Fen NR. Suffolk. August 2009.