I've just seen a gorgeous spider!

cutecoot · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 05:37 PM

By my wheelie bin

Wasn't able to get a pic, but it was *enormous*, nice fat body, lots of stripes and quite furry. Anyone got any idea what type it might have been?

wildherbalian85 · #2 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutecoot

By my wheelie bin

Wasn't able to get a pic, but it was *enormous*, nice fat body, lots of stripes and quite furry. Anyone got any idea what type it might have been?

Garden orb weaver probably

cutecoot · #3 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 09:03 PM

That looks like the one! I have absolutely no idea about spider names .. might take a bit more interest now

Dutchess · #4 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 10:01 PM

Excellent! Another spider convert

Once people get to "know" them, very often they realise there is more to them than mere creepy crawliness

Fascinating creatures.

D.

Hedera · #5 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 10:33 PM

I like these "tiger" spiders; every time I walk down the garden I have to carefully unhitch several from across the path and put them to one side so they don't lose their lunches. At least four today, and a beauty across the greenhouse doorway. I'm amazed at how far their lines stretch, 9/10 ft at least on some webs.

Dutchess · #6 (**permalink**) 19-09-2009, 10:51 PM

lol, Hedera! I often had to unhitch them from my hair! The spiders I don't mind so much, they assist on making a clean exit from my tresses, it's those "lunches" that stick to it like glue - ugh!

D.

Hedera · #7 (**permalink**) 21-09-2009, 06:54 PM

How big can these A. diademata get? The one outside on the patio is huge, I was going to try and take a photo with a ruler by it but need three hands. all the rest are half the size. It catches a lot of food.