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larose forest photos | all galleries >> Non-insect Arthropods: Spiders, Isopods, Millipedes, etc. >> Spiders, Mites, Ticks and Pseudoscorpions (Arachnida) >> Orb Weaver spiders (Araneidae) > Shamrock orb weaver (Araneus trifolium) with japanese beetle
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01-SEP-2011 Christine Hanrahan

Shamrock orb weaver (Araneus trifolium) with japanese beetle

This large female spider was trying very hard to grab the Japanese beetle which had landed on top of the leaf. I watched as she crawled around and stretched out several of her legs grabbing and grabbing, and finally she hooked the beetle by one leg. And then, in the blink of an eye, she proceeded to pour out sticky threads and wrap the beetle. It was astounding to watch as she moved so fast she was a blur. She went over and over and over the leaf and the beetle and within in seconds she was finished and retreated to her shelter under the leaf. Here, you can see the spider silk coming out of her spinnerets and encasing the beetle. I apologize for the poor quality but she moved so quickly I couldn't keep up!

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
1/320s f/5.6 at 4.3mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Guest 02-Sep-2011 17:15
Yes! I saw this many times, but first time saw someone catch it on camera. Vµ
janescottcumming01-Sep-2011 23:28
Amazing shot Christine. Great information as well. V
Tom LeRoy01-Sep-2011 21:01
Wow, what details and what interesting story! I learn so much from you, thank you!V!
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