The Lyons Share

No puns are needed when species have such ridiculous names as Rhombic Leatherbug Syromastus rhombeus. At the last minute I decided to go to Climping Dunes today and Tony Davies came along too. This time we actually found the target species but as ever, it's the things we were not expecting to find that stole the show.

Any day where I see a new jumping spider is a good one. This one is tiny being a male Sitticus saltator, a sand dune specialist and I saw dozens there today. They are REALLY small (3 mm mature) but incredibly territorial. We watched one run backwards and forwards along a fallen grass stem waving its front legs around and reflexing them backwards. It doesn't look like there are many records for West Sussex, maybe it will be a county first with any luck! Another spider I saw today I have only ever seen once before was Thanatus striatus.

Plants today including Spring Vetch, Sea Clover, Rough Clover and a grass tick, the nationally scarce Dune Fescue! Loads of other stuff to report too but no time, the pub beckons!