And the spider for Spring 2013 is...

If you have been following my BLOG you will remember that last year, the mantids had to contend with a large number of Salticidae, or Jumping spiders to use their common name.
I did see a few of them again this year including the one I shared in my last post that unceremoniously devoured one of my babies!

However, times change and this year the spider of the moment appears to be the Lynx spider. These are also amazing  looking spiders with their spined legs and have the same method of catching their food; stalking and pouncing on their prey. However unlike the Salties they don't jump around the foliage but just run and climb with occasional connection lines strategically placed to help them around. They are very quick and not as tolerant of a lens in their face as the Salties either so getting photos has proved tricky hence many as they ran away or under a leaf trying to hide.

I wanted to post about these and got delayed and now have even more to add but will stop here and do another post as soon as I can. I've been taking photos and editing them and just need time to get it all uploaded and posted so come back soon! You will be amazed; I sure am!

Now if you are squeamish about looking at spider photos, then it's time to leave. However, if you want to see how amazing these little inhabitants of my garden are; scroll down and take a look.

Lynx spider under Hydrange leaf

A Lynx spider with dark stripes on Hebes plant in back garden but I have also seen these on the Hydrangea.

Lynx with a fatter abdomen which may be swollen with eggs.