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Consider-the-Lilies Web Gallery
Spiny-bellied Orbweaver
Most of the spiders around my property are the familiar Orb-weavers, such as the Common Garden varieties, which construct webs divided into radial segments around a circular center. This family of spiders, as a rule, is highly accessible. Not only are they easily found throughout my property, they are great subjects: they'll stay still for a second shot, if I want to get a different perspective in another image. (One exception is the Cross Orbweaver, which is shy and difficult to get on "film.")
Although many references seem to favor Spined Micrathena as a common name, I think this interesting orbweaver is more aptly described by its alternative common name.
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The scientific prefix is a combination word from Greek: mikros = small; akantha = thorn, prickle; the suffix gracilis is from the Greek for graceful, slender.)
I see the " small" and I see the "prickles," but I'm not so sure about the "slender."
Spiders come in a broad range of shapes and colors.
I think the smooth curves and pale white shading of the Crab Spider present an interesting contrast to the sharp prickly body and coal-black coloring of the Spiny-bellied Orbweaver.
But like many of the most interesting spiders, this faunal lily while intimidating in a close-up image, is really quite tiny and relatively harmless—at least to humans!
Its thorny exterior is strictly for defense.
Just one tentative nibble of its thorny back is probably more than enough to convince some predatory bird to reconsider having this creature as a potential snack.
Any thoughts, pro or con? Why not drop me an anonymous note at the Comments page?
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Go back to the Main Directory to consider more lilies of the field.