I like jumping spiders, but web-spinning spiders scare me. All that web, all those long legs, that unapologetically swollen abdomen... eep! When I saw this one, I considered not shooting it. But a little voice in my head insisted that I shouldn't pass up the chance, especially when it's this colorful.
But. It's scary. Eep. I took shots of it very carefully, I kept looking from my viewfinder to the front of my camera to check my lens, to make sure I wasn't getting too close to it. Scary. Eep.
It's an orb weaver, specifically a Kidney Garden Spider. About 7mm (0.27in), and it was busy with its breakfast, a fly that was bigger than itself. (Poor fly is the black blob in my shot. Why do insects look so much scarier when they are dead and wrapped up in spider silk? That's another reason I don't like web-spinning spiders. At least jumping spiders don't wrap their prey up in web.) This spider is native to South, East, and Southeast Asia.
There is a larger version to view if you like. (I'll pass. Too scary. Eep. )
you are so cute with your spiders and those great descriptions Livia! I love your passion! And this is another wonderful capture of your "favorite" little friend!
Amazing capture of the spider's rear end. The fine detail visible in the large view adds scale to the image. As always, love your story, you should consider writting children's books and illustrating them with your creatures.
@claireuk Technically, lynx spiders are not jumping spiders. They belong to different "families". (All jumping spiders are "Salticidae". Lynx spiders are "Oxyopidae".) But lynx spiders are active hunters (they don't spin webs to catch prey) and they do leap and run very fast. I've posted a few shots of lynx spiders in my album, but none of my photos are as gorgeous as Carolyn's! Thank you for letting me know, so I could see it too. 8D
@ruthmouch On demand? I wish! Haha! Every time I go to the park or nature reserve, it's totally a matter of luck what I get to see! A couple of times, I come home with nothing, no shots at all. This was my first time seeing this type of spider, even though they are supposed to be common. 8)
@sparkleplenty1 Jumping spiders and other active hunting spiders go after their prey using their excellent eyesight and quick reflexes. They jump or run very fast, grab the prey with a steely grip, and then bite them with their fangs to deliver venom. No web required. That's one reason jumping spiders have big (and cute!) eyes. They can judge distances very well, and have nearly a 360-degree field of vision. Web-spinning spiders usually have small eyes and don't see very well, because they rely more on their sense of touch, and their web, to trap their meals. 8)
HA! Love your commentary. I would not have been able to get close to that spider! You are much braver than I. This shot is amazing. The spider is equally creepy and beautiful!
A great, big, not-so-webby and brightly colored "THANK YOU!" to everyone! Please know that I appreciate your taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I am encouraged, and grateful!
Fantastic capture of a beautiful creature! You could be describing me trying to capture a scary insect on camera!! At this time of year we are always visited by large spiders, so I won't be sitting on the carpets or walking barefoot around the house for a few weeks! I've no idea where they come from or where they go!
VERY cool!! I was getting a shot of a spider today... thinking it WASN'T a jumping spider when all of a sudden.... HOLY BATMAN IT JUMPED... I checked the camera over pretty fast and me!!! It wasn't like the usual little ones, had long legs!
I love your commentry and I know how you feel - spiders creep me out too. Great colours and very brave of you to get this close and get such a great shot. Well done.
http://365project.org/cjwhite/the-second-year/2012-08-26
And btw, a fav for me.