Photo Adventures with Curiosity and Learning

Here is a female Argyrodes flevascens. I thought I might be able to capture some reflections of the sky - but, sigh, was unsuccessful.

Here, you can see a reflection of blue sky in the upper part of her abdomen, but nothing really dramatic

This is fun - sort of like the male taking a dive into a pool

A good view of a male Nephila pilipes with the embolis conductor clearly seen

Another view with the eyes evident (I'm improving with focus)

A closer view of the male, a slack strand of silk, palps, embolis conductors and eyes.

Then a skipper (I think) flew into the web. The lady sprung to life and here is a the little skipper held with her palps

She obviously decided this was not suitable for dinner, but the male had decided that this was the time for mating.

Oops - she is no longer eating - time to make a hasty escape before she eats me

The little Argyrodes were just looking on - perhaps applause from their palps.

This female was eating something and I assume it was silk from the web

A closer view

Another view of the male Nephila - ventral

Walking back I passed the place where I found the Miagrammopes yesterday. She was still there but oriented in another direction

As I moved my tripod, I disturbed the bushes and she started the tensioning exercise. Here her 3rd legs doing the work

She does an about face

and moves closer to the leaf (to the left)

Stay tuned

C. Frank Starmer

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