Discovering a tiny 'money spider' new to the county has delighted members of the Hertfordshire Invertebrate Project – even if it hasn't made them rich.

The female Trematocephalus cristatus was found by county spider recorder David Carr during a productive field trip by the group to the HMWT reserve at Danemead near Hoddesdon. In addition to being a new species for Hertfordshire it is nationally rare with most records coming from Sussex, Surrey and Kent. It lives on the leaves of various trees and bushes, including oak, birch and gorse.

Photo of Trematocephalus cristatus ©Gail Ashton

Folklore associates finding a money spider with financial good luck. The Invertebrate Project surveyors were, however, more than happy with a day that produced several other recording riches including a nationally rare beetle, Hypulus quercinus, located by Gail Ashton at only its fourth known Herts location.

Hypulus quercinus ©Gail Ashton

Ian Carle, meanwhile discovered Ischnomera sanguinicollis, a nationally scarce beetle, and Conops vesicularis, a nationally notable fly. Both have previously only been found at  a handful of Hertfordshire sites.

Ischnomera sanguinicollis © Ian Carle

These findings put Hertfordshire nicely ahead of the curve for 2025 Insect Week, which starts on 23 June.

Conops vesicularis © Ian Carle

The Herts Invertebrate Project organises regular field meetings during the spring, summer and autumn. If you are interested in taking part contact Ian Carle.