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Entrapped insect |
Dewdrops accentuate the fatal filaments that web-weaving spiders deploy to catch their prey.
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An enmeshed Wide-footed Treehopper Campylenchia latipes |
Under most conditions the sticky strands would be imperceptible to insects flying by.
When a hapless victim does become enmeshed the resident spider rushes out of hiding to subdue it. The spider crosses the web freely along adhesive-free lines interlaced with the adhesive ones.
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A Common Stretch Spider Tetragnatha extensa consuming a dragonfly |
The spider often anchors its prey with additional cords before feeding.
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A Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle Chilocorus stigma |
One day recently I came upon a Lady Beetle suspended in midair. Coming closer and changing angles revealed the silky threads that held it.
The Lady Beetle thrashed frantically. The spider failed to appear. Eventually the beetle freed itself and flew away.
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Fall Fascination |
For people on an early morning walk at Halibut Point spider webs are innocent and delightful, especially when adorning poison ivy.
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Tuft-legged Orbweaver, Mangora placida |
The spider musters bodily resources, inborn skills, and unpredictable fortunes to complete its destiny.
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