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Dolomedes minor

I'm pretty sure this is a nurseryweb spider, even though at 10mm she is half the size of an adult female. She is sitting on a nursery web that was built and used in early January. The spiderlings have long since gone, but I wonder if this one has come back.

Note the fine weaving on the nursery web. It measures approximately 8cm x 5cm x 5cm. When in use it contained dozens of tiny spiderlings getting a protected start, with the mother keeping watch.

Life could be dangerous for her. Nurseryweb spiders are the preferred prey of the golden hunting wasp.

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