Rustic wolf spider (Trochosa ruricola).

The spider that turned up in the pitfall trap under the half brick on 30th March proved to be a male rustic wolf spider, Trochosa ruricola. It is the first I have identified from the garden, but I expect it is common as it seems to be across its extensive range.

It is known to be found on lawns as well as in a wide range of other fairly open habitats and it occurs frequently in pitfall traps. It is widespread in Sussex with most records from coastal locations.