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Spider diversity of the Water Meadows (talk)
May 18 @ 11:00 – 11:45
In Britain we have about 660 species of spiders (of which around 280 are the tiny money spiders). Spider specialist and entomologist Alan Thornhill will talk about the ecology and diversity of this fascinating group of animals, focussing on the species we’re likely to find on the water meadows.
Did you know that in most spider species, when males are nearly full grown, the ends of the pedipalps (the paired leg-like things at the front of the head) begin to swell and resemble miniature boxing gloves? When mature, they are very complex structures, which vary in detail from species to species. They are the main feature of males used for identification. The pedipalps of females remain as slim, leg-like structures throughout their lives. Alan is also leading a walk at 2.30pm.
All talks are in the Talks Tent, at the BioBlitz Hub in the Abbey Gardens, near the Lark footbridge by the play area.
