Having Monday Blues On Wednesday ;0(

Mommy spider guarding her egg sacs.

Web was found in an American Holly tree

This image has been digitally altered of course using ArcSoft PhotoStudio that came with my digital Canon Rebel XT. I used the Sigma 150 macro lens for this shot.

Arachnid Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Life under the wild asters of Virginia

A small jumping spider.....

.....warms in the sun while resting upon a fading blade of ornamental grass. It remains on alert as insect prey and predator move all about.

It's a busy buzzy world amongst the wildflowers in my backyard this Autumn. Bees are urgently hopping from flower to flower, hover flies are hovering, butterflies incessantly flirting; all being watched by this lone stationary arachnid.

I begin to feel a close connection with this spider as we both are observers here. We're sharing intimate views in this tiny, seemingly insignificant universe. I leave with a smile ;0)

richmond virginia -chesterfield county - backyard - salticidae

Nature Insect Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

INSECT EYE CANDY! An Iridescent Beauty..... Salticidae - Jumping Spider - Tutelina

I couldn't help spotting this small arachnid creeping along the Cherry Tree leaves..... once you see one they are not easily forgotten..... real eye-catchers in our insect world ;0)

canon rebel xt / sigma 150 / macro / cropped / bright sunshine / backyard woodland iridescent arachnid / richmond virginia

Nature Art Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Daisy Fleabane..... a soft delicate wildflower of Richmond, Virginia

Beauty And The Beast

Arachnid - Wolf Spider Allocosa sp. on silky soft Daisy Fleabane, a native wildflower to be visually enjoyed..... and worth our admiration for attracting butterflies and bees as well.

Nature Art Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

The babies have EMERGED!!!!!! Argiope aurantia - Black & Yellow Garden Spiders

Check out my label "spider" for pictures of the Mommy & Daddy of these arachnid spiderlings!

(They overwintered in the egg sac shown in another image in this blog.)

Nature Insect Macro Photographs by Carolyn Hietala

Don't Throw It Away! ..... Gardening Tip

If you have ever gardened

or done yard cleanup

you might have discovered one of these.

It measures approximately one inch and would have been nestled carefully on a plant or even attached to your home in an out of the way nook.

This egg sac might not look special or precious but inside are miniature versions of that big gorgeous black and yellow Garden Spider (Argiope Aurantia.) The spiderlings will emerge and most likely won't be noticed at all until approaching adulthood. Then the large signature webs constructed by the females are easily seen.

They're not only beautiful to look at but these spiders are a natural alternative to using pesticides!

Check out the labels to the right of this photo

and click on "spider".....

there you may view images of this amazing orb spider ;0)

Nature Arachnid Photographs by Carolyn Hietala

Fishing Spider has a second home - Right beside our reading chair..... for company ;0)

"Terminator" will be getting an even larger home but for now it suffices. Eating a cricket every other day and fresh water provided, this arachnid is quite content. Don't be alarmed that it isn't getting enough oxygen as the lid is simply resting loosely on top of the pickle jar..... just secure enough to keep it in..... and the cats out. Oddly it has no interest in attempting to escape so must be happy. Terminator will eventually be released to join its own kind in the wetland area of the yard.... and I only hope it doesn't return to our basement EVER AGAIN!!!!!! ;0)

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Fishing Spider in pickle jar - Aggressive Arachnid

Intimidation Stare ;0)

(click on images to supersize)

Well I've had this "pet" for a few days now and its attitude hasn't improved. I will NOT be removing it from its home to photograph therefore I apologise for images taken through glass. The critter sure relishes crickets!
Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

New pet wants to EAT me ;0( Fearless!

Shown in its temporary home perched on top of a toilet paper roll. Instead of running away this guy goes TOWARD you when getting close to it. Ha.

Absolutely No Fear Here!

Aggressive, very agile & loves devouring crickets. New abode is a large pickle jar so as soon as the transfer is completed (wanna help?) I'll post a picture.

Fishing Spider http://bugguide.net/node/view/1985 Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Good Morning and Happy Hunting! This Chesterfield County spider is up early and ready for breakfast ;0)

It appears to be a Wolf Spider? If you wish to have a bit of fun..... visit all the spiders at Bugguide.net. It is an awesome place to go if you find a "bug" that you want to identify. Here is their site and give it a few seconds to load....LOADS of Insect Images: http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=spider&search=Search

(click on image to supersize)

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Trapdoor Images for a Scary Halloween - Relative of the Tarantula Spider

You probably have a few of these in your own Virginia backyard.

(click on photos for another view)

They are not often seen

but males will venture out

from time to time.

Here's what Bugguide.net says about the genus Ummidia: http://bugguide.net/node/view/6935
Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

See what happens when you leave the safety and comfort of home?

This runaway was found a few days ago..... missing a leg! After lounging away her days under my protection on the back porch, she had suddenly disappeared. I searched for her and assumed the worst. Now she's pregnant again and resides contentedly alongside a nearby oak tree. I wish her the best of luck as I resume keeping a watchful eye once again.
Here's a peak at her old home: http://carolynhietalanatureartpaintings.blogspot.com/2007/09/portable-housing-for-garden-spider.html

Photo by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Male Argiope aurantia - Definitely does NOT believe in monogamy!

(click on images to supersize)

This male adulterer has abandoned his wife.....

and is presently keeping house with the mistress!

Know anyone like that?

No wonder some female spiders eat their mates!

Photos by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

No longer pregnant & quite a bit thinner - Proud but tired - This mother Argiope aurantis will rest today!

Pregnant Mom ;0) Be sure to click on photos to enlarge.

This one and the next were taken last night.

Just exploring before the big event of laying those eggs.

Eggs already laid and she is putting the finishing touches on the egg case.

Look closely at the silk strands being placed on the case.

Smile - You're on Candid Camera!

She is working so quickly - Oh my kingdom for a video camera ;0(

More than one thread at a time.

Every nook & cranny gets special attention.

WHEW!

Since this egg case is so fresh it hasn't yet changed color to brown as shown here on Bugguide.net http://bugguide.net/node/view/2025 What a large & lovely North American Garden Spider - The Black & Yellow Argiope.

Photographs by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Portable housing for the Garden Spider - An antique tin funeral flower holder

Perhaps it's a fitting place to meet their demise for all the insects that the spider feasts on?

I'm not complaining as now I am able to photograph her more easily ;0) What a beautiful web.

This is a beautiful female Argiope aurantia. I hung her under the back porch light last night and she pigged out mostly on moths. She will spend the day placed safely behind deck furniture so she won't be easy prey for a hungry bird. Tonight she'll reside under the light once again to dine.

I see an alien with his hands placed on his hips glaring at me!

Ah ha.... Rorschach Inkblot Test! What do you see?

(click on images to supersize)


Photos by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Simply lovely! Found in Richmond, Virginia.