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Thread: Orb Weaver?

  1. #1
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    Orb Weaver?

    This lovely spider decided to make a huge web on my back patio. I've already accidentally half-destroyed it twice. She has built a little home in some leaves of a tree limb attached to her web by lacing webbing around the leaves to pull them into a rough funnel. She hides in there during the day and comes out at night. She's huge, probably about 2" long and doesn't look anything like the typical black and yellow orb weaver garden spiders we usually see around here. I live in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. And here's the picture of her!

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  2. #2
    Administrator Eric's Avatar
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    Wes:

    Wow! Awesome image of a great spider: The "Giant Lichen Orbweaver," Araneus bicentenarius. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Eric

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    Quote Originally Posted by Eric View Post
    Wes:

    Wow! Awesome image of a great spider: The "Giant Lichen Orbweaver," Araneus bicentenarius. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Eric
    Awesome! Thanks so much for the info! I was thinking of calling her a raccoon-caterpillar spider because that's what her markings look like to me

    Are they strictly nocturnal or is she just hiding in her leaf because of the heat wave we're having? I would like to get good pictures of her during the day.

  4. #4
    Moderator Ungoliant's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wes View Post
    Are they strictly nocturnal or is she just hiding in her leaf because of the heat wave we're having? I would like to get good pictures of her during the day.
    They are indeed nocturnal, hiding during the day. One theory is that this is to avoid predation by birds.
    Helpful Links: ID Guide ¦ ID Resources ¦ Species Guides ¦ FAQ ¦ Spider Bites ¦ Glossary

    "There is no shame in not knowing. The problem arises when irrational thought and attendant behavior fill the vacuum left by ignorance." --Neil deGrasse Tyson

  5. #5
    Elite Member JumpSpidersInc's Avatar
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    That is a beautiful shot, Wes!

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    Thanks! I've been away for a night, but she's still there and looks like she's captured a large beetle so don't have to worry about her starving for a while. Gonna wait until tonight when she's rebuilding her web and try and get lots more pictures

  7. #7
    Elite Member JumpSpidersInc's Avatar
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    Looking forward to more photos!

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    Alrighty! Here are some more pictures of her! She was extremely cooperative with me and I was able to get some good ones. A couple of her coming out of her nest at dusk, and then a few of her from different angles, enjoy!

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  9. #9
    Moderator Ungoliant's Avatar
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    Great shots of a beautiful spider!
    Helpful Links: ID Guide ¦ ID Resources ¦ Species Guides ¦ FAQ ¦ Spider Bites ¦ Glossary

    "There is no shame in not knowing. The problem arises when irrational thought and attendant behavior fill the vacuum left by ignorance." --Neil deGrasse Tyson

  10. #10
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    That's one cool spider, and great shots too, Wes! Thanks for the additional views... good work.

    ACB
    Teaching a child not to step on a spider is as valuable to the child as it is to the spider. ~ Bradley Millar (adapted)

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