Huge female European diadem spider (Araneus diadematus), often also called garden spider, with catch of the day.
Interesting for me: she caught the wasp in front of my eyes. Even if she had already a larvae in here jaws, she managed to bite the wasp with her impressive chelicerae containing venom glands and injected some venom into the prey. Bitten by the spider the wasp immediately stopped moving, then the spider turned the prey very quickly with her legs and wrapped it with silk in this handy package. When hungry (I think not the case, so this is only stock) she will vomit digestive enzymes on/in the pray to decompose the interior. So she can just suck up the fluids, leaving only the dry chitin husk.
OK, so I read your entire description, and now I feel slightly nauseated, and that I have a little too much information regarding spiders' eating habits!! Seriously, you must really, really like spiders because you know every single part of them by name! LOL!! I know I shouldn't (because I will probably read it again!), but I must FAV it!!
This is absolutely fascinating Mona. I love this shot, love the detail, love the silky wrap (what a thing to witness!), and love love love the spider's little black eyes!
Magnificent macro, such great pov and detail, fav of course! Mona, thank-you for the lovely comments you have made on my work lately, they are appreciated!
Oh she's beautiful! Fantastic shot! I just got a macro lens and am having a blast bug hunting, just like I did as a kid, but with a camera instead of a jar!
November 4th, 2015
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Great close up!