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Me and 
got up at the crack of dawn yesterday to capture a nest full of paper wasps...
A lovely little queen had built a nest on my Organ Pipe Cactus a couple of months ago, and I'd been watching her tend to her eggs, then babies, and later, new wasps living on the little nest. The only problem was that it was getting a little too large. Seven wasps called it home, but there are children in my apartment building, and we were worried they'd explore the nest and maybe get stung. Or worse, the manager would see it and destroy it...
What does this have to do with this gorgeous spider? I'm getting to that.
So we decided to try relocating the nest. We got up before dawn, I suited up with leather pants, heavy welder's gloves and a net over my head. I knew I was going to be annoying the heck out of these pretty wasps and I didn't want to get stung. I caught five and put them into a cooler we'd prepared with a towel-covered icepack in the bottom to slow them down. Then I clipped the nest off my cactus.
We drove the whole shebang over to Franklin Canyon, a little wilderness area here in LA, and set it in a protected spot inside a dead tree. Then we released the wasps onto the nest so they'd know where it is.
I had my camera with me and when I turned around, the sun hit something bright that caught my eye.
Yes, THIS is where the spider comes in. She was GORGEOUS. I had a devil of a time finding out her species, but, with a little research, I learned that her name was Argiope Aurantia. Lovely name, I think. She's otherwise known as the Golden Orb Weaver, the Scribbling Spider, the Writing Spider and the Black and Yellow Orb Weaver. The Scribbling and Writing names are from the neat thicker portion of web she makes as a food-attractor/animal "repellent" called "stabilimenta" (many animals can't see the rest of the web, so, to prevent web-destruction by a blundering critter, she leaves these marks in her weaving that are easier for them to see... and avoid. Or so the theory goes).
I found a second spider of the same species in the same bush later that morning when we returned with two wasps that I'd missed on the first run.
I love her markings- she's so pretty!
got up at the crack of dawn yesterday to capture a nest full of paper wasps...A lovely little queen had built a nest on my Organ Pipe Cactus a couple of months ago, and I'd been watching her tend to her eggs, then babies, and later, new wasps living on the little nest. The only problem was that it was getting a little too large. Seven wasps called it home, but there are children in my apartment building, and we were worried they'd explore the nest and maybe get stung. Or worse, the manager would see it and destroy it...
What does this have to do with this gorgeous spider? I'm getting to that.
So we decided to try relocating the nest. We got up before dawn, I suited up with leather pants, heavy welder's gloves and a net over my head. I knew I was going to be annoying the heck out of these pretty wasps and I didn't want to get stung. I caught five and put them into a cooler we'd prepared with a towel-covered icepack in the bottom to slow them down. Then I clipped the nest off my cactus.
We drove the whole shebang over to Franklin Canyon, a little wilderness area here in LA, and set it in a protected spot inside a dead tree. Then we released the wasps onto the nest so they'd know where it is.
I had my camera with me and when I turned around, the sun hit something bright that caught my eye.
Yes, THIS is where the spider comes in. She was GORGEOUS. I had a devil of a time finding out her species, but, with a little research, I learned that her name was Argiope Aurantia. Lovely name, I think. She's otherwise known as the Golden Orb Weaver, the Scribbling Spider, the Writing Spider and the Black and Yellow Orb Weaver. The Scribbling and Writing names are from the neat thicker portion of web she makes as a food-attractor/animal "repellent" called "stabilimenta" (many animals can't see the rest of the web, so, to prevent web-destruction by a blundering critter, she leaves these marks in her weaving that are easier for them to see... and avoid. Or so the theory goes).
I found a second spider of the same species in the same bush later that morning when we returned with two wasps that I'd missed on the first run.
I love her markings- she's so pretty!
Category Photography / Animal related (non-anthro)
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 853 x 1280px
File Size 1.21 MB
This is a great shot of this spider. They seem to be fairly wide-spread as I've seen them in upstate New York (Albany) as well.
So, you actually moved the wasp nest after capturing most of them? Even with the heavy clothing that sounds risky. Stingy bugs tend not to much appreciate anyone messing with their homes, even if it is for their own good.
Do you know if the wasps stayed with their nest in their new home?
So, you actually moved the wasp nest after capturing most of them? Even with the heavy clothing that sounds risky. Stingy bugs tend not to much appreciate anyone messing with their homes, even if it is for their own good.
Do you know if the wasps stayed with their nest in their new home?
It may be too early to tell. But we'd read of someone else trying the technique and that it had worked for them- the wasps apparently went to work stabilizing the nest and reinforcing the join where he'd placed it. Our nest was tucked under and overhang in a dead tree to keep the rain off (we hoped) and I released the first batch of wasps onto and around the nest, hoping they'd note that it was there, but they were groggy from the cold, still and crawled into cracks inthe wodd to get away from me, poor scared things.
They'd gotten used to me, you see- I'd poke my nose toward their nest to get them used to my presence over the last several weeks. I hoped it might be easier to capture them that way. They are not exactly aggressive, though- they'd just look me over and go back to what they were doing. :) But, after this ordeal, I'm afraid I might have exhausted them- they tried to sting my gloves and the like. I wasn't too worried about getting stung, though- first, because they aren't very aggressive, and second, I know I'm not allergic to the stings. We came in the very early morning when it was still dark and cool- basically hoping to catch them while groggy/sleeping.
The last two I caught on the wing with a fly-net. They were flitting around, looking for the nest, and I swished the air with the little net and caught them both within two minutes. Into the cooler with the towel-covered icepack and off to the nest they went.
When we returned with the other two we'd missed earlier (one was the queen, I think) no-one was on the nest. When I released the queen and her last child, they didn't stick around. I'm worried that the first set of offspring won't find the nest again. *cries* There were about twelve cells covered over, and when those pupae open, there will be new members of the colony, so I'm hoping they'll re-establish the nest. Paper wasps are as pretty as this spider with their rich colours (bronze, black and bright yellow).
As for Argiope here, she's so common, there's even a branch of her family living in Australia!
They'd gotten used to me, you see- I'd poke my nose toward their nest to get them used to my presence over the last several weeks. I hoped it might be easier to capture them that way. They are not exactly aggressive, though- they'd just look me over and go back to what they were doing. :) But, after this ordeal, I'm afraid I might have exhausted them- they tried to sting my gloves and the like. I wasn't too worried about getting stung, though- first, because they aren't very aggressive, and second, I know I'm not allergic to the stings. We came in the very early morning when it was still dark and cool- basically hoping to catch them while groggy/sleeping.
The last two I caught on the wing with a fly-net. They were flitting around, looking for the nest, and I swished the air with the little net and caught them both within two minutes. Into the cooler with the towel-covered icepack and off to the nest they went.
When we returned with the other two we'd missed earlier (one was the queen, I think) no-one was on the nest. When I released the queen and her last child, they didn't stick around. I'm worried that the first set of offspring won't find the nest again. *cries* There were about twelve cells covered over, and when those pupae open, there will be new members of the colony, so I'm hoping they'll re-establish the nest. Paper wasps are as pretty as this spider with their rich colours (bronze, black and bright yellow).
As for Argiope here, she's so common, there's even a branch of her family living in Australia!
Oh yes, I believe we were trying to introduce you to her, or at least show her off. She doesn't live in the pipe in the wall anymore, though. I think she either died or simply moved elsewhere because of all the curious damned dragons poking their inquisitive muzzles near her web...
Ooooh. This brings back memories. I was walking in a carving along the side of a mountain road, probably like four of five years old, and ran right up to one of there without looking up. Then suddenly HUGE SPIDER TO THE FACE! Actually, I stopped about an inch away from faceplanting on the spider and the web, backed away, then shook it off and went on my own way. I don't think the spider even woke up.
That must've started the living end out of you!
They're apparently pretty calm, from what little I've personally seen. The sister to this one (there were two in this bush) didn't budge when we accidentally stepped on a stick that jostled her web (yes, this is a female- the male is half her size and nowhere near as brightly coloured). Just... hung there. We weren't any big deal to her, I guess.
They're apparently pretty calm, from what little I've personally seen. The sister to this one (there were two in this bush) didn't budge when we accidentally stepped on a stick that jostled her web (yes, this is a female- the male is half her size and nowhere near as brightly coloured). Just... hung there. We weren't any big deal to her, I guess.
Yup, that she is- I identify her species in the description. I just felt really lucky to get to see this gorgeous spider up close! Then, after some research, I found that she is actually a very common species, with relatives all over the south-western U.S, even up into New York area, supposedly. I even found photos of this particular type of spider from Australia!
I'm from Canada, near the U.S/Canada border actually, and I've only lived in the U.S for a year, so I'd never seen this species of spider before. We have some Orb Weaver species back home that I've seen (one almost as large as this lady, though not as brightly coloured), but I don't think this one lives that far north, usually.
But, she's so pretty, isn't she?
I'm from Canada, near the U.S/Canada border actually, and I've only lived in the U.S for a year, so I'd never seen this species of spider before. We have some Orb Weaver species back home that I've seen (one almost as large as this lady, though not as brightly coloured), but I don't think this one lives that far north, usually.
But, she's so pretty, isn't she?
Well, the folks reporting it might have been mistaken (no pix), but I did find one photograph the owner claims they took in Australia, and it definitely surprised me that this species lived on the continent. Wherever they live normally, they're beautiful spiders.
This page of Dave's Garden has a listing of the places members have spotted this spider, and yes, as far north as Washington and New York:http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/69/
A photo taken in Queens, New York: http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/9999/
Dangit, I can't find the image that was tagged as being from Australia. Perhaps I misread something? It happens. Anyway, this species seems to have a really wide range of environments that it's happy in.
This page of Dave's Garden has a listing of the places members have spotted this spider, and yes, as far north as Washington and New York:http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/69/
A photo taken in Queens, New York: http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/9999/
Dangit, I can't find the image that was tagged as being from Australia. Perhaps I misread something? It happens. Anyway, this species seems to have a really wide range of environments that it's happy in.
'Tis a pity- so many spiders are gorgeous, or just so freaky alien in appearance, they're too fascinating for me to be afraid of them!
Here's some neat ones:
The Orb Weaver Family has some of the prettiest spiders: http://www.azfotos.com/animals/spid.....der_AJM625.jpg
Jumping Spiders are unbelievably cute: http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dlkAw43cLC0/S.....on-spider6.jpg
The colour on this Tarantula is awesome: http://www.bighairyspiders.com/pix/cobalt1.jpg
Another Jumping Spider, this time a lovely cerulean blue, but still cute as a button: http://a6.vox.com/6a0100a801ee89000.....af0e860d-500pi
I teared up at the cute, here: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-1GM7VDiW.....ple+Spider.jpg
Ok, I am in love with the Jumping Spiders!: http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs23/f/2....._troypiggo.jpg
If I didn't know this was a photo, I'd think it was a cartoon: http://projects.cbe.ab.ca/glendale/.....pider_eyes.jpg
Like a little jewel: http://www.vikeyworld.com/_/rsrc/12.....&width=400
This one looks wonderfully alien: http://www.richard-seaman.com/Arthr.....LynxSpider.jpg
Possibly the prettiest Jumping Spider yet! These guys are all under a quarter inch in size: http://izismile.com/img/img2/200911....._spider_00.jpg
Personally, I think the cyclocosmia species are the weirdest spiders, period- they have what look like Myan ideographs on their abdomens! (it's actually a hard plate used to block their tunnels- these are a variety of trapdoor spider). Here's a few photos of a number of species:
cyclocosmia ricketti:
http://www.zoocon.com/Herps/Inverts.....icketti_01.jpg
cyclocosmia truncata: http://izismile.com/img/img3/201007.....ure_640_02.jpg
possibly a C. Truncata as well- marked as a female: http://bugguide.net/images/cache/XK.....QKNKLKPKZK.jpg
Spiders rock!
Here's some neat ones:
The Orb Weaver Family has some of the prettiest spiders: http://www.azfotos.com/animals/spid.....der_AJM625.jpg
Jumping Spiders are unbelievably cute: http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dlkAw43cLC0/S.....on-spider6.jpg
The colour on this Tarantula is awesome: http://www.bighairyspiders.com/pix/cobalt1.jpg
Another Jumping Spider, this time a lovely cerulean blue, but still cute as a button: http://a6.vox.com/6a0100a801ee89000.....af0e860d-500pi
I teared up at the cute, here: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-1GM7VDiW.....ple+Spider.jpg
Ok, I am in love with the Jumping Spiders!: http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs23/f/2....._troypiggo.jpg
If I didn't know this was a photo, I'd think it was a cartoon: http://projects.cbe.ab.ca/glendale/.....pider_eyes.jpg
Like a little jewel: http://www.vikeyworld.com/_/rsrc/12.....&width=400
This one looks wonderfully alien: http://www.richard-seaman.com/Arthr.....LynxSpider.jpg
Possibly the prettiest Jumping Spider yet! These guys are all under a quarter inch in size: http://izismile.com/img/img2/200911....._spider_00.jpg
Personally, I think the cyclocosmia species are the weirdest spiders, period- they have what look like Myan ideographs on their abdomens! (it's actually a hard plate used to block their tunnels- these are a variety of trapdoor spider). Here's a few photos of a number of species:
cyclocosmia ricketti:
http://www.zoocon.com/Herps/Inverts.....icketti_01.jpg
cyclocosmia truncata: http://izismile.com/img/img3/201007.....ure_640_02.jpg
possibly a C. Truncata as well- marked as a female: http://bugguide.net/images/cache/XK.....QKNKLKPKZK.jpg
Spiders rock!
YES. Grrr. Twats, living through their fears. How sad.
But, I admit, there have been times when I killed something because it scared the absolute CRAP out of me. Anything that crawls into my mouth when I'm sleeping is fucking suicidal, anyway, and I'm only answering their wish to die...
But, I admit, there have been times when I killed something because it scared the absolute CRAP out of me. Anything that crawls into my mouth when I'm sleeping is fucking suicidal, anyway, and I'm only answering their wish to die...
I've tried that- they usually don't wanna. Heh. They see my paw and back up or go around. I use a piece of paper, actually. Lay it in front and very gently slip it under their wee little feets. They don't seem to be as bothered by that. Maybe they pick up the heat from my hands or some such. Found a jumping spider yesterday, but he was already in poor health- I think Diva (my cat) had found him before me. anyway, poor fellow looked dehydrated- I put him outside where there's a lot of nice, juicy prey... and no spider-hunting cats.
Oh, and a very pretty little golden spider has claimed a space on my Kalancoe- it's an Orb Weaver species, bright yellow, no other markings that I can see and really small. Maybe it's a juvenile? It makes the scribbly stabilimenta like the lady on this page, but doesn't sit in her web in a cruciform position. Forelegs outstretched to the front, though, and she does shake her web when disturbed.
Same here- they are a common species in this state. I have two living in my plants right now, actually- got photos of them (the pix suck, though). One was smaller than the deep black female, and an odd, speckled brown- but it had the red hourglass on it's belly. I'm thinking it may be the male and they are a mated pair. The lady doesn't always eat her paramour, after all.
Fuck no, I don't. I know jack fuck all about spiders! I know a little bit about a FEW spider species. I just talk a good game, man. *giggle*
Seriously, I actually know very little- it's just that when I meet something new that fascinates me, I go read up on it. I'm meeting a LOT of cool new critters here in California.
Seriously, I actually know very little- it's just that when I meet something new that fascinates me, I go read up on it. I'm meeting a LOT of cool new critters here in California.
I live in Central Florida and those Black and Yellow Argiope Spiders are pretty common here as well. I've had a few in my back yard, and have run across several on the property where the majority of the Elliott's events are held. In addition to their visual brilliance, perhaps one of the most striking things about these spiders is how fast they wrap their prey. It just seems that GOBS of silk come out at once and the prey is completely covered in only about 3 or 4 turns. I even watched one wrap a small tree frog once.
We also have a ton of brown widow spiders all over central Florida (not to be confused with black widow or brown recluse - there are several widow species). I have respect and a fascination for spiders, but even knowing that they're timid and rarely bite, if I find those in or close to the house, I do dispose of them. If I find them outdoors, away from the house, I usually leave them alone or just observe them from a healthy distance.
I have to agree that jumping spiders are ridiculously cute. Have you seen the videos on YouTube where they chase a mouse pointer on a computer display? It's pretty funny!
We also have a ton of brown widow spiders all over central Florida (not to be confused with black widow or brown recluse - there are several widow species). I have respect and a fascination for spiders, but even knowing that they're timid and rarely bite, if I find those in or close to the house, I do dispose of them. If I find them outdoors, away from the house, I usually leave them alone or just observe them from a healthy distance.
I have to agree that jumping spiders are ridiculously cute. Have you seen the videos on YouTube where they chase a mouse pointer on a computer display? It's pretty funny!
No, I haven't seen that! Wow, spiders that act like cats! *giggle* I'm gonna have to look for those, now.
Yup, I know that there are several species of widow- they're neat spiders. As for the Orb-Weavers- they are a fantastically-varied group of species, colourful, baroque in form and just so pretty. I'd love to watch Argiopes wrap her prey- that must have been quite a site!
Yup, I know that there are several species of widow- they're neat spiders. As for the Orb-Weavers- they are a fantastically-varied group of species, colourful, baroque in form and just so pretty. I'd love to watch Argiopes wrap her prey- that must have been quite a site!
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