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This little pink spider has got me completely foxed. Following the keys seems to lead to Ozyptila, but it was much too lively to be one of them! Note the aphid in its jaws.

Size 5mm. Found out of doors wandering across a cover sheet amongst the patio furniture. A warm, dry shady location, but away from vegetation.

Southern England, Late May.

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I think you were correct with Oxyptila - they can be quite lively at times. I wouldn't want to put a name to it without having the specimen - too many similar species!

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Thanks for pointing this out, Tony. I suspect the sluggish behaviour is partly a defensive mechanism, and does not necessarily reflect capability. Evedently, they can run when they want/neeed to.

However there cannot be that many species that this could be (there are only about 12 in all in Europe, I believe, and most of these can readily be ruled out in this instance.)

Might I tentatively suggest O. praticola (female)? If not, what else might it be?

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There are six very similar species in Britain - this could be praticola, but could be others as well - you really need to examine the epigyne (or male palp) to be sure. Sternal pattern can be a guide, but that doesn't help much with this photo!

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Hello, all!



In gardens and around houses it's almost surely O. praticola. The other species are not as synanthropic and mostly need more special habitats (but regard the "almost"...).

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Many thanks for the update, Juergen.

This one was found right outside the house, on the patio (the fabric is a furniture cover) so, as you say, it must almost certainly be O. Praticola.

That, I guess, is just about as positive as one can be from a mere photograph.

B)

Basil