Large Spider for ID

[Devon Dave]

Not really a Butterfly subject but whilst out searching for Brown Hairstreaks yesterday I spotted this rather large yet most attractive spider in the long grass of my local meadow. I don't have any Spider books so would appreciate an ID just for my records. Many thanks in advance.

[millerd]

Hi Dave,

That's a Wasp Spider. I don't know any more detail on the species than that, but the females (like this one) can be sizeable beasts. They are beautifully coloured, and their diet is largely grasshoppers - but on the North Downs where I generally see them, their webs frequently trap blue butterflies...

Cheers,

Dave

[Allan.W.]

Posted a couple of Wasp Spiders on the September Sightings section page 3 . And so did Greenie.

[Devon Dave]

Many thanks to all for helping with the ID of this Wasp Spider.