Arachnids

Over the last few years I have developed an interest in spiders; actually, in all insects. I have been working on showing all creatures compassion, which means doing no harm. So when I find a creature in my house, I do my best to relocate those creatures outside. Often, when time allows, I will take a photograph of them before I release them.

It is interesting how I have become less and less fearful of insects. I used to call my husband to deal with the insects and relocate them on my behalf, until the day he wasn’t around to help and I had to figure it out on my own. I took a deep breath, shook like a leaf, but was able to successfully relocate my first big spider on my own. Since then, I haven’t looked back.

I relocate mosquitos too.

Here is a link to a short article I wrote about how it takes practice to get better at doing things. Even simple things like choosing to relocate insects over the commonly practiced alternative.

If you are not uncomfortable to view each photograph at a larger scale simply click on the first image and a slideshow will follow. Let’s conquer our fears!

In this collection you will see a variety of spiders. There is a cute black fuzzy jumping spider with the most adorable eyes. If only I had a macro lens that could get closer…one day.

You will see a spider collecting her prize – a wasp wrapped in spider silk. I was lucky to be there at the moment that the spider raced down to collect the wasp and carry it back to her secret hiding spot in the well protected lush leaves of the overgrown Wisteria. She was moving so quickly it was difficult to get what I did in focus. Much like a fisherman, the photos of her hoisting the wasp behind the leaves are too blurry to post but they show the energy of the catch.

You will also see a photograph with many spider egg sacks. The mother was keeping watch (she is a dark blur in the foreground), but all the tiny specks are actual baby spiders in motion leaving the egg sack.