heliastes21's Journal

Steatoda nobilis is a spider known in the United Kingdom as the noble false widow as it superficially resembles the black widow. Bites are nowhere near as serious however, resulting in symptoms similar to a bee or wasp sting.

Steatoda nobilis is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands from where it is thought to have spread throughout Europe. In England it has been recorded mostly in southern counties and was first reported in Torquay, Devon, back in 1879, having arrived on a crate of bananas. It is only since the 1980s that the spider appears to have spread beyond Devon with sightings all across southern England and even a few records in Scotland in recent years.

I have found individuals (usually in autumn) both in my house and at work in Norfolk and Suffolk. A few years ago it was notable when one turned up (and caused some health and safety panic) in the bike sheds at work, now they seem to be everywhere!

The Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is an endemic sub-species of the mountain hare (L. timidus) and is the only native lagomorph in Ireland.

The relationship between the Irish hare and other mountain hare subspecies remains somewhat unclear. Recent genetic evidence indicates that the Irish hare is more closely related to mountain hare populations in mainland Europe than its geographically closest neighbour, the Scottish hare (Lepus timidus scoticus). They do not grow a white winter coat and are noticeably smaller in size. They are distinguished from brown hares by having a stocker build, pure white tail and shorter ears, they are much larger than rabbits and have a more upright stance.

Irish hares seem to be quite common around Dublin Airport. I spotted three individuals on a small patch of lawn between the hanger buildings.