It'll allow the palp to be positioned properly and not be too conspicuous I think (similar refractive index hopefully.) Got this tip from someone at the BAS field weekend, but it's more involved than my 'stick a lump of gel on top' method.

Yes it would be an unusual correspondence. But they don't make it anymore anyway, and I'm beginning to think it might be fake. It's nice and 'stiff' tho. I'll make some slides with plastic washers stuck on - a layer of this in the hole, then genitalia, then alcohol on top - should do the trick.

Yes - a Garnier brand which I bought during lockdown. Lasted ages. I bought six bottles from eBay because they don't make it anymore, but it doesn't seem to be the same stuff. It does wash off if left in alcohol - I'll do that and try something else.

The original bottle didn't really do this, except when tainted by clover oil. It had been left in the car for nearly year - heating, freezing, sunned - maybe that made it less viscous? I don't know. My glycerin/alcohol mix is better I think - but that's too runny.

This is the same but slightly enhanced using GIMP - sharpened and contrast shifted. You still can't see the 'wiggly' bit that makes this Micrargus herbigradus. The gel has distorted the light and also gone slightly opaque. I'm not sure where to go with it, now.

Well I've iRecorded it as atrica and Richard can say yay or nay on it.

On a different note I've just checked the SRS page for Z.atrica and it specifically says it builds webs on the trunks of pine and birch trees, so that seems likely.

I should have a look for one of those frames. I had a frame ruck sack when I was a kid, but like many of those things from childhood, I've no idea where it went.

I have a small fishing bag that I use sometimes. With the vacuum and sweep net added to the kit it's all a bit much. I need a smaller camera like the TG6, but no money for that. And I wear my BAS fleece all the time for the huge pockets. Some use the frames of old fashioned ruck sacks.

Could be - I didn't want to disturb it though. I did have small Roberts with me so probably could have done it in the field, but my new system of large sieve and tray strapped to the back pack makes getting in and out so laborious. Need to work something else out.

I've not seen either. I get quite excited when I sieve leaf litter in the garden as I often find tiny orange spiders, but they're always Dysdera as far as I can see.