This painted lady has been hanging out on my back porch for a few weeks.
I have a bouganvilla vine that forms the perfect spot to perch and wait for dinner.
According to Wikipedia, she is an Argiope aurantia is commonly known as the Black and Yellow Garden Spider, Writing Spider, Banana Spider or Corn Spider.
Totally harmless. That is unless you are a male Argiope aurantia.
Some people’s first instinct would be to freak out, or run, or grab the can of raid and spray her to kingdom come. But to me she is helpful, because she eats all the other bugs that swarm around my head and make me itch. I will not kill her. According to wikipedia, the first hard frost will do that in just a few months anyway. So I want to keep her around as long as possible.
I have been trying to get a good picture of her for WEEKS now, and today was the perfect day. This new camera came just in time for her rainy day portrait session. There is no way my old point and shoot could have captured this moment.
Because while I was shooting, she decided to give me a little show and start re-silking her web.
I felt in awe that I got a chance to witness her repairing her home. And even more blessed that I was able to capture it all with such in focus detail.
Charlotte didn’t care. She ignored my stalkerazziness and just kept weaving her web around and around.
Isn’t that amazing?? I heart nature.
I was so impressed as I watched her place each strand after strand around the dewy web.
Gus, on the other hand? Not so much.
Woodrow says “Welcome to our world. This is as exciting as it gets out here, mom.”
Nature rocks.
Awesome pics…but damn, that gives me chills. EEK!