Incy, wincy spider...

Even in the midst of winter some invertebrates can be found in sheltered areas. This spider looks quite large in the image, but its body is only a few millimetres across and even the most hardened arachnaphobe would scarcely notice it.

It goes by the name Neriene montana and is a member of the Linyphiid family, better known to most as money spiders. In the autumn, species such as this are responsible for the hammock like webs that often clothe low vegetation, and show up so well in misty weather when they're jewelled with droplets. This is immature and will grow up by April.

We had a lovely sunny walk round Holme Fen this morning, and as well as this spider we found two species of moth and the cocoon of a Black Arches moth on the birch trunks - an unexpected haul given the current cold weather with the prospect of snow tomorrow!