No Slender Hare's-tail . . . but what a spider!

I met Phil at Thornham harbour today to search for Slender Hare's-ear.  While looking through the long grass I came across a very large spider which Phil identified as a Wasp Spider.  I hadn't seen one before and was massively impressed by its size and markings.  Apparently the male is a small brown individual which is often eaten by the female.  Phil had seen Wasp Spiders previously down south.  According to the Norfolk spider recorder Wasp Spiders have been spreading north over the last few years.  Last year he had records from Strumpshaw, the Brecks and Horsey.  Last Friday he received a photo of one seen near Great Yarmouth.  The one at Thornham today is more evidence of their northward advance.

 

 

 

Female Wasp Spider Argiope bruennichi