Hello,
I was relocating a disused compost bin today and a rather large and impresssive spider came out, very shiny and with distinctive red markings on its legs. I have tried to identify it and think it may be Meta menardi. I wonder if the large, mostly empty and very dark compost bin is cave-like enough to be an attractive home to this species? I am in Cumbria, postcode CA10 2RW, grid reference NY508161. There was another one in the bin, which is now in its new location with both spiders safely back inside.
Thank you,
Julie.

