Friday, August 5, 2011

Foto Friday - Update from the garden



As promised an update from the garden
and I know you have all been patiently waiting . . .
well maybe not patiently, and maybe not really waiting at all
but just go along with me here - I know you're at least curious.
Right?

Okay, good!!
(you can't see me, but I'm smiling)
So the good news is they are still here - the green lynx spiders that is.
They haven't all been eaten by something - whew! I know you were worried.
I can usually find 3 or 4 of them, at least that's what I can spy with my little eye
since they are so well camouflaged amongst the garden.  Sometimes I take a
spray bottle out with me and lightly mist the flowers to see if I get any movement.
I think this is where I tell you to stop laughing . . .

Alright, I know what you're thinking - has she flipped her lid, spiders are gross!
Well, truth be told I wouldn't want one crawling on me either. In fact I'm severely allergic
to spider venom - I have ended up in the ER with anaphylaxis several times. But when
seen through the view finder of my camera, which changes all perspective, they are
suddenly quite fascinating.  


The green lynx spider gets its name because of the cat like hunters that they are. They are very well
adapted to running and pounce on their prey. I've had the privilege of watching one catch a bee
out of mid air and it was lightning fast. I think they have a bit more growing to do before they're catching
bees though.


They are a bright vivid green with their bodies being transparent but having said that they
are really hard to notice especially when on green foliage.


The female is larger than the male and wow will I have a surprise for you when I finally see one
that is gravid (pregnant in spider lingo) this season. It's a bit too early, usually around late August or
September.


And never fear if you live in a northern climate because they like tropical weather. You will find these in the southern U.S., Mexico and South America.


And although they aren't as camouflaged on this gomphrena, this is where I find them the most.
They have really long slender legs with which help them catch their prey and those are not black hairs you see on their legs, but spines probably to help them impale dinner.




These spiders do not spin webs, but actually hunt for their prey. And although they don't
spin webs they will usually trail a dragline of silk  - kinda acts like a bungee cord when you're
jumping off things to get your dinner!


So have I changed your perspective yet?




The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious,
awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
-Henry Miller

I can't wait to share more with you because God gave this spider something very special!
Until then, give something your close attention - you'll be glad you did.
Give someone, even a stranger your special attention - and you will be blessed!

Have a great weekend my friends!
Love, Kim
XO


For more Friday photo fun check out the hollie rogue

and




Give me your best shot at Better in BulkPhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and Lolli
 

 

10 comments:

andi {the hollie rogue} said...

really inspiring post---i'm one who HATES spiders, but as long as they can't "get" me, I think they are interesting and maybe even beautiful when you photograph them! Do you have a macro lens? These are awesome--thanks for linking up today!

andi {the hollie rogue} said...

never mind that last question...i just read your comment on my post :) ha! that makes me feel better that it is possible to get great close ups even without a macro lens. thanks for the tips!

Stephani Cochran said...

Nice caputres. The littlest creatures are so hard to capture, but fun when you do! You also got some nice bokeh in some of these shots. Thanks for stopping by today. Blessings to you and yours!

Ellen said...

I'm loving the spiders and especially loving the bokeh! The top one with the dewdrops is cool, of course, but the last one -- well, that color in the background is dreamy.

Kathryn Dyche said...

I'm terrified of spiders but looking through a camera lens definitely makes me braver. When I got my macro lens earlier this year I couldn't believe the incredible detail on some of the critters. I react really badly to spider bites too but thankfully haven't had to go to the hospital (quick touch wood). Love that last shot, just beautiful

Jaymi said...

great shots! the bokeh in that first shot is amazing!

One Photo said...

Lovely bokeh in these shots!

Nadege, said...

I love the bright bokeh in the first image. Your shots of the spider are simply amazing. I'm not crazy about spiders but they do make interesting macro subjects.

Unknown said...

These are amazing, and dare I say beautiful....for a spider! :)

Karin M. said...

Das sind sehr schöne Aufnahmen....gefallen mir...
LG: Karin

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