So, Dove Stone and the RSPB aren't all about birds, right ? Right.
The European Cave Spider ( Meta menardi ). A first for Dove Stone's records. And this spider has only been recorded around 400 times since 1800. The thinking is that it's probably under recorded in general due to its preferred habitat.
This is a spider that lives exclusively in permanently dark, damp habitats: you won't find it occupying dry habitats. So we're talking caves, tunnels, mines, sewers and places like damp cellars, hollow trees and on...
Meta menardi produces a large orb web but usually resides on the wall of its habitat. Prey for this cave spider will include hibernating Lepidoptera, mosquitoes, slugs, isopods, millipedes and beetles. I've been reliably informed ( thanks Ken ! ) that for those amongst us who might not be too keen on spiders that the European cave spider moves fairly slowly !
Even if spiders aren't your thing you have to acknowledge that it is an attractive looking spider with the stripes on its legs. For those of you who want to find out more about spiders check out this website http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Welcome. Many thanks to Ken for the info and for the enthusiasm !
Highlights from elsewhere around Dove Stone with recent sightings of Redpoll, Siskins, Crossbill and Brambling. More soon...