Monday, September 8, 2008

Argiope

We have a fascinating visitor in our garden just now. I first saw it yesterday morning and quickly ran to get my camera. When I approached it ran to the bottom of a leaf to hide, but then another hapless victim flew into the web and I was instantly forgotten.
I think it's an argiope, but the marks on its back are a little different than I've seen before. Can someone help with the exact identification?

I enjoy watching spiders and usually appreciate their value in the garden, but this victim was a honey bee so I have mixed emotions now. Let's just hope she eats flies and such today, shall we?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

My son did his kindergarten science project on spiders and their webs. I have been intrigued by them ever since.

Spot said...

whatever sort of spider it might be it is far too big

Gypsy aka Tam said...

I can't help you to identify it but your photography is great.
Have a wonderful day,
Tam

Tara said...

I'm with Spot--SCARY!

Anonymous said...

i just wonder how long it takes to do these photos? and for the webspinning to enclose the hapless visitor? regardless, you are great with the camera! jkj