ARACHNIDA > ARANEAE > Gnaphosidae

The Gnaphosidae family includes 34 species spread across eleven genera, which in some cases are placed in to related groups: Callilepis (1); Micaria (5); Phaeocedus (1); Drassodes (3) and Haplodrassus (6); Scotophaeus (2); Zelotes (6), Trachyzelotes (2), Urozelotes (1) and Drassyllus (3); and Gnaphosa (4).

Most of these spiders are dark grey or black in colour with little or no abdominal pattern or discernable features. And, when you start looking at the individual species, you quickly establish that the majority are uncommon, scarce or rare and, in reality, there are probably no more than 7 or 8 that are likely to be encountered unless you're specifically looking for them in a particular area of the country. I have to say that I found that somewhat reassuring when I realised that I'd only seen three species.

My first was assumed to be Micaria pulicaria, which is a distinctive common species that can be found in warm, dry areas, such as on open sandy heaths where I found this one. However, upon checking identity I was informed that recent DNA analysis had split the species and that mine was definitely Micaria micans as it 'clearly shows dark longitudinal lines on the femurs'. Found on a large piece of deadwood, which was home to a Formica sanguinea slave-making ant colony.

Around the same time, I found another species at the same location. It was one of the five Zelotes with a black carapace and although, strictly speaking, they require microscopic examination to determine the actual species, Zelotes latreillei is by far the most likely candidate based on appearance and habitat, and the fact that the other likely contender Zelotes longipes is rare. Obviously, that species can't be ruled out, but I would have to have captured and retained the specimen for dissection, which I wouldn't have done even if I'd known.  

And finally, to date, the only other ground spider I've encountered is Drassodes, most likely Drassodes lapidosus based on habitat as it's the only one of the three species with known synanthropic associations.

New family added, Dec.22 (v.1)