“Beautiful Spider”—I know that some people would consider that an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. I, however, am fascinated with spiders and photographed this Black and Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge as carefully as if I were doing a beauty shot in a photo studio. The spider had constructed her web on some vegetation overhanging a small pond, which is why I was able to get such an uncluttered gray background.
Earlier this month I captured an image of a spider of the same species while exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge—this seems to be the prime season for these spiders, which I have seen at multiple locations. This image shows well the amazing reach of the spider’s amazingly long legs and, as was the case in the first image, shows the ziz-zag portion of the web that is associated with this species.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
I totally agree that these spiders are beautiful. And their webs are works of art.
Thank you for the beautiful photos.
Thanks, Ann. I’ve done a number of posts in the past showing amazing spider webs that really show up in the early morning light. Here a link to one of them. https://michaelqpowell.wordpress.com/2015/10/22/early-morning-spider-webs/
Although spiders are a little scary, I can’t help but find them fascinating too. They seem incredibly intelligent and patient too…and there is such beauty in their weirdness when you get up close. Great pics!
Thanks, Graham. I am in awe of a spider’s ability to build such complex webs, combining the skill of an architect with the soul of an artist.
Mike! I’m in awe of that top photo. Do you think it might do well in a nature photography competition? It would have gone well in my “black and yellow” post! I’m glad you explained the zig-zag thing as I’d especially noted that feature (because I’m quite taken with natural “scribbly” effects like “scribbly gum”). Also I’ve seen an awesome moonlight on water photo where the two combined to create an amazing scribbly effect. Could make an interesting post if I could re-find the relevant images and get permissions. Anyway, thanks for capturing and sharing this amazing photo that enables me to start my day with a sense of wonder! Big “well done” to you!
Wow that top one is a real beauty!