Stockgrove Country Park, Beds.
I had just started to focus on this spider when it lifted its abdomen and started to fire web into the air. I couldn't make out where it was aiming until I realised that it must be an overhanging branch about 8 feet away - there was nothing else it could be.
Anyway it kept firing silk for some time - long enough for me to get several pics from different angles. The first pic below was the best of the "silk firing" shots. The spider then turned round and started to quickly move its front four legs in a sort of cycling fashion. It became clear as web started to "bird's nest" in its front legs that it was winding in the strands of silk. The second pic shows this action.
The ball of silk "disappeared" under its head and (although I couldn't make it out for sure) I presumed that the spider had eaten it.
It then took up station holding taught lines of thread. I have several shots showing this but have not posted them.
From previous posts of this species I'm guessing that a firm id will not be possible? However any help in this area welcome.
....and any info about what is going on and on the distance involved also welcome.
Bruce
