Tetragnathidae

ARACHNIDA > ARANEAE > Tetragnathidae > Meta

The final page for this family features a young Meta 'cave spider' that was found hidden away beneath a large fragmented slice of cut pine in a shaded area of coniferous woodland, which is not the typical habitat where you'd expect them as they're normally associated with dark secluded locations such as caves, mines, sewers, railway tunnels or damp underground cellars.

There are two very similar species, Meta bourneti which has only been recorded from a few scattered locations across the south and Meta menardi which is far more widespread. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary if confirmed identity is required, but Meta menardi is definitely the most likely species in this situation.

At the time of writing, the Spider Recording Scheme (SRS) database confirmed 662 records for the species, and just 116 for Meta bourneti, and although only a third or so of those records provided sufficient habitat information for analysis, it's quite clear that they're rarely found in woodland. However, there's no doubt about the identification of this one and given it's an immature spider there must be a colony nearby.

New species added, April 26 (v.1)