Oh please excuse the dust! It’s in a very unused corner. No
one will know if you don’t tell them (or blog it).
So here is another adventure in insect identification. This
little guy was hopping about while I was taking atmospheric photos of the
bathroom window (see here).
At this
point I’m concerned that I’m giving the impression that I spend a lot of time
in the bathroom with Liz and Bobbi, but it’s mere coincidence I assure you.
If you’re not afraid of spiders this site ‘Spiders of NorthWest Europe’ will help you identify any spiders you may find in dusty corners
of your bathroom. Keep a note of it; you may need to quickly name a spider when
on your continental holiday.
My little chap is a jumping spider, in particular a zebra
spider. The Latin name for the family of jumping spiders is Salticidae, a
fantastically characterful name (as is this one). Apparently this type of spider hunts like a
cat, in that it quietly stalks its prey then pounces.
“Salticids are the
tigers among spiders.”
If I ever get a cat I’m
going to call it Salticid. Do you think it is pronounced 'Salty Kid' or 'Salty Sid'? Oh dear, I've made myself laugh.
