After a summer of not seeing many spiders, I was thrilled recently to spot this orbweaver spider as it dealt with an unidentified prey that it had captured.
Most of the large spiders that I observe are Black and Yellow Garden spiders (Argiope aurantia), but this one looks different from the ones that I have previously seen, especially in the first image. It may be that I am used to seeing the spider only in the center of her web, as in the second image, or perhaps this is a different spider species.
This was an unusual case for me, because I spotted the spider as I was walking through a field of waist-high vegetation and I was able to get pretty close to the spider and get these shot with my macro lens. Generally, I am forced to photograph spiders like this from a distance (which most people probably think is a good idea anyways).
There are some subjects, like cute birds, that I photograph that I know will have a broad appeal, but past experience has shown me that spiders tend to divide people into two camps—some people are fascinate and think spiders are totally cool, while others are thoroughly creeped out and find spiders to be repulsive.
What do you think about spiders?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
i enjoy watching spiders. Great photos. Thank you for sharing. x
Thanks. I’m glad to see that I am not the only one who enjoys these fascinating little creatures.
Fantastic shots! So much detail. The patterns on its abdomen are stunning. My oldest son is an arachnophobe but my younger sons and I love spiders. So much so that we have had to learn, since emigrating, to not just pick them up.
Thanks, Laura. Spiders are really fascinating. There is something really amazing about the way they construct their webs and catch their prey.
Spiders are not my favourite subject but I do photograph them too and this one is particularly interesting with its bold patterns and colouring!
The size, colors, and pattern made this one stand out and easier to spot. I don’t necessarily go out in search for spiders, but will certain try to get a shot if I see one.
Love, Love, Love the spider pictures! She/he is really cool looking! Love Spiders!
Thanks. I suspect that the spider is a “she,” the male spiders tend to be a whole lot smaller.
I find them a lot more interesting in photos than real life. Odd.
Maybe you’re not getting close enough to them in real life, Lyle. There’s nothing quite like getting close and personal with a macro lens.
Spectacular images, love the detail…I do agree I like them more in photos than walking across my bed at night.
Thanks, Charlie. It seems like we have a general consensus that spiders are loved most at a distance and outdoors.
Beautiful photos, love spiders from the point of view of their interesting habits and intricate make up, I like to see them outside mainly but never kill them. Trilled when I find one to photograph.
Thanks. I too prefer them outdoors. The orbweavers are a little easier to spot, because of the web, but I especially am overjoyed when I manage to spot a jumping spider. There is something really special about the jumping spider’s large sets of eyes.
Not much. 🙂
Spiders have never bothered me. I used to love watching the big black and yellow ones when I was a boy but I don’t see them much anymore.
That second shot is excellent and fits my memories of spiders perfectly.
It’s always exciting to spot one of the big ones and this was one of the rare chances I have had to get close to it (more often they have been in the cattails and I have shot them from a distance).