Banded Garden Spider – Camera Critters
As I was photographing wildflowers yesterday, a sparkle caught my eye down near my feet. I was delighted to see these concentric strands of diamonds catching the early morning sunlight. I was even more delighted to find the spider right in the center so I didn’t have to wonder whether or not it might be crawling up my leg! This is the female Banded Garden Spider Argiope trifasciata. Garden spiders weave orb webs with a distinctive zig-zag pattern in the center.
No, this photo isn’t upside down. These garden spiders hang onto their webs head-down. I found some fascinating information on garden spiders and their web-construction that suggest this head-down position helps the spider maintain its body heat as it absorbs the warmth from the sun through its abdomen.
This is the first time I’ve seen the banded garden spider. We frequently see the yellow garden spiders around our home at this time of year. They have a striking yellow and black pattern on their abdomens.
Clicking on the button below will take you to Camera Critters, a photography-sharing meme for animal pictures of all kinds.
No, this photo isn’t upside down. These garden spiders hang onto their webs head-down. I found some fascinating information on garden spiders and their web-construction that suggest this head-down position helps the spider maintain its body heat as it absorbs the warmth from the sun through its abdomen.
This is the first time I’ve seen the banded garden spider. We frequently see the yellow garden spiders around our home at this time of year. They have a striking yellow and black pattern on their abdomens.
Clicking on the button below will take you to Camera Critters, a photography-sharing meme for animal pictures of all kinds.
Comments
http://graceandbradley.blogspot.com/2009/08/nephila-pilipes.html
I also notice that they are always head down. Your reason may explain it. thanks for sharing.
This little guy sews better than I do. :)
Carletta’s Captures.
Thanks for leaving the insect identification site. I've heard of it, but keep forgetting to check it out.
Hugs,
Betsy
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings!
I got some pictures of the swans at Lake Logan this weekend. I was so excited, like a kid in a candy shop ;-)
Also the lobelia that I grow is an annual but there are perennials also.
Hi again, Just letting you know how I came across your blog. I was reading some of the Camera Critter posts here http//camera-critters.blogspot.com/ and you're number 6.
I'm glad to have found you. Thanks for your comment on my blog.