The "What is this bug?" thread

[Harvestman]

I agree the first is Pyraustra aurata. Very nice photo.

The second is a bee mimicking hoverfly, looks like something in the Myathropa genus from the big bend in the long wing vein (highly distinctive). There are several similar species so I'm going to look it up.

 

[Harvestman]

Changed my mind. Eristalis intricarius. A bumblebee mimic. Body pattern is wrong for Myathropa, as is the size, and the other possibility Merodon equestris has all black legs.

Interesting challenge that one. Thank you.

 

[mountainm]

This beastie was about the size of my thumbnail.

 

[bushwacker bob]

This beastie was about the size of my thumbnail.

Now its the size of the sole of your shoe.

 

[Harvestman]

This beastie was about the size of my thumbnail.

Oh that's really fine!

It is a crab spider, genus Xysticus, I think. I've never seen one that incredible colour though. I'll try and find out more.

 

[Harvestman]

No firm conclusion reached. Might be Xysticus lanio, which often has a reddish colour, but this specimen is way beyond that. Too big to be an Ozyptila although the markings on the abdomen make me think of them.

Would need the specimen to be definitive about it, but heck, what a wonderful looking creature.

 

[mountainm]

No firm conclusion reached. Might be Xysticus lanio, which often has a reddish colour, but this specimen is way beyond that. Too big to be an Ozyptila although the markings on the abdomen make me think of them.

Would need the specimen to be definitive about it, but heck, what a wonderful looking creature.

My thoughts too - found in Nantcol, North wales. Took the photo then moved it to safety.

EDIT

Judging by this image
http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/Spiders/Thomisidae/Ozyptila_trux_D5811.jpg

It is very similar - don't think it's too big to be an Ozyptila - thumbnail size including legs? Google images throws up specimens of similar size.

 

[Harvestman]

Ah, sorry, I'm in the habit of assuming sizes as being without legs, as that is the official way it is done, leg length often being deceptive. In that case then yes, my first instinct would be Ozyptila, especially given the rather circular abdominal markings. trouble is you still can't get it to species, as aside from a few distinctive species, Ozyptila breaks down into the pale ones and the dark ones, and they are not field distinguishable.

I wish I could clearly see the spines on the carapace, as that would help a lot.

Was that from heather, by the way? Just trying to explain the colouring.

 

[mountainm]

Ah, sorry, I'm in the habit of assuming sizes as being without legs, as that is the official way it is done, leg length often being deceptive. In that case then yes, my first instinct would be Ozyptila, especially given the rather circular abdominal markings. trouble is you still can't get it to species, as aside from a few distinctive species, Ozyptila breaks down into the pale ones and the dark ones, and they are not field distinguishable.

I wish I could clearly see the spines on the carapace, as that would help a lot.

Was that from heather, by the way? Just trying to explain the colouring.

Not much heather where we were - but there was some about a 5 minute walk away. Plenty of Bracken, Grasses, Bog Myrtle, Woodland.

 

[Harvestman]

If it is one of the darker Ozyptila, none of them are common, but O. scabricula is the least rare. it could be an interesting record. At the very least it is an interesting colour form.

 

[mountainm]

If it is one of the darker Ozyptila, none of them are common, but O. scabricula is the least rare. it could be an interesting record. At the very least it is an interesting colour form.

Happy to let you "report" it - not sure how I'd go about it.

 

[Harvestman]

Can't report it, as I don't have a definite identification. It will remain a mystery, but a lovely picture.

 

[mountainm]

Does this help?

 

[Harvestman]

Excellent. That confirms it as an Ozyptila, due to the shape of the hairs, but without seeing the underside of the abdomen of this specimen (a female), in excellent lighting conditions, preferably under a microscope, there is no way I could confirm species, and without that it is just a nice picture. For a rarity I'd also have to have it checked by the national recorder. Always assuming that it is adult in the first place, as immatures are completely unidentifiable.

Call it a purple Ozyptila and leave it there. Great thing to have found.

 

[Harvestman]

Saying that, do you mind if I take your picture and forward it to a few people to ask questions? I'm really puzzled by this picture.

 

[mountainm]

Saying that, do you mind if I take your picture and forward it to a few people to ask questions? I'm really puzzled by this picture.

Not at all - I only ask you keep me up to date with any findings.

 

[Harvestman]

Not at all - I only ask you keep me up to date with any findings.

Definitely. Thank you.

 

[Niels]

View attachment 21249

That's such a nice shot. It's staring right at you!

 

[Harvestman]

Isn't it funny how you can doubt yourself? I sent the pictures of the purple spider to the national spider recorder (yes, there is such a person), and he said (to paraphrase) "Impossible to say to species for certain, but it is a Xysticus, probably Xysticus lanio because of the reddish colouration"

Which is exactly what I said originally.

Only then I doubted myself.

Ah well, we learn from experience. I hope.

 

[mountainm]

Great stuff. Not many records for it in Wales.