For days now I have been trying to identify a spider hidden its its home in a hole in the garden wall. I scared it at first with the camera flash, but after a couple of weeks it seemed to be less afraid and stayed put as I tried to see in the hole enough.

I suspected it was a noble false widow but needed a better view (I had posted the above pic on Twitter asking @BritishSpiders for some help, and that was the suggestion with only a limited view, but the white stripe gave it away it seems). Today, I noticed it was a bit further forward, and while I was trying to get a shot some flies landed near and tempted it out.

It didn’t seem to mind me being there, but also didn’t seem that motivated for the food either.

It came out for long enough for me to get a good shot for identification though, so I was rather pleased. Patience paid off (and just happening to be there with my camera in hand, so timing helped).

(c) K Wicks