Albino spider?

[Chillum]

I saw a pure (and I mean pure) white spider in the garden last night. Usual spider configuration, 8 legs, spherical body, about 3/4mm dia., quite sturdy legs for it's size. Could this have been an albino? I guess you don't see them very often as they're so obvious to predators, unfortunately I couldn't find my bleedin' camera.

[Cetti]

There is a pure white spider Chillum that is quite scary in appearance - positively ghostly in fact. It goes by the rather posh name of Misumena vatia or Crab Spider. See if this is the one:

http://www.bioimages.org.uk/HTML/P4/P48487.HTM

[Chillum]

That's it!! definitely,  thanks Cetti, (haven't seen your name for a while). It was creepy, very strange looking. Are these common in the South?

[Chillum]

(of England)

[Cetti]

Yes still around, but  as there have been quite a few doggy, kitty -cat or goldfish q's  you will find me, well......just about anywhere on this wonderful site :-)

Back to this amazing little white beast. It is fairly common throughout the UK, especially down here in Dorset although because of its small size probably overlooked. Your white one is the lady spider, but their colour can change from yellow to green and she will choose a flower that reflects her flower. Clever,eh? Her husband will be smaller and much darker.

[Chillum]

Typical woman, can't decide what to wear.

[Cetti]

That should have read - a flower that reflects her colour... Must not type and drink at the same time ;-)

[FP]

What an interesting thread.  Thanks Chillum and Cetti.