Spider, Green Huntsman Spider 26062023, 01 f
Sparassidae Huntsman spiders, 1 British genus,
Contains one genus in Britain with a single distinctive eight-eyed species,
Micrommata
The single species in this genus is unmistakble, Its size and bright colouring should allow easy recognition, and the avoidance of confusion with any other species, However, It can be difficlt to find as it tends to remain motionless, sitting amongst foliage waiting to ambush passing insects,
Micrommata virescens - Green Huntman Spider,
Habitat ;- Typically found in damp, sheltered woodland, often on the lower branches of young oak, on tall grass or sedge tussocks, The female constructs a large retreat for herself and her egg-sac by binding together a number of small leaves with silk,
The retreat is usually positionsd less than half a metre above the ground, The eggs are green,
Description ;- Carapace Bright emerald green ( male slightly duller ), The eyes are ringed with white hairs, Abdomen female and immatures of both sexes yellowish-green with darker green caediac mark outlined in yellow, male yellow with deep red median and lateral bands, Legs Green,
Similar Species ;- None,
Distribution/Status ;- Widesprwad, very scattered in the couthern half of Britain with very few records in the North
Spider, Green Huntsman Spider 26062023, 01 f
Sparassidae Huntsman spiders, 1 British genus,
Contains one genus in Britain with a single distinctive eight-eyed species,
Micrommata
The single species in this genus is unmistakble, Its size and bright colouring should allow easy recognition, and the avoidance of confusion with any other species, However, It can be difficlt to find as it tends to remain motionless, sitting amongst foliage waiting to ambush passing insects,
Micrommata virescens - Green Huntman Spider,
Habitat ;- Typically found in damp, sheltered woodland, often on the lower branches of young oak, on tall grass or sedge tussocks, The female constructs a large retreat for herself and her egg-sac by binding together a number of small leaves with silk,
The retreat is usually positionsd less than half a metre above the ground, The eggs are green,
Description ;- Carapace Bright emerald green ( male slightly duller ), The eyes are ringed with white hairs, Abdomen female and immatures of both sexes yellowish-green with darker green caediac mark outlined in yellow, male yellow with deep red median and lateral bands, Legs Green,
Similar Species ;- None,
Distribution/Status ;- Widesprwad, very scattered in the couthern half of Britain with very few records in the North