Thursday, June 16, 2011

Something Sinister This Way Comes

A few days ago I was sitting out on our screened-in deck reading when something caught my eye.  A large black spider was crawling along stalking something.


Looking around more closely I saw the object of it's interest.


An unsuspecting brown moth was the spider's target.



Eventually, the moth realized it was in danger and fluttered away to another part of the screen.  The spider doubled back and slowly worked it's way to the moth once more. 



The spider was an experienced hunter because it was slowly sneaking up on the moth. Then when it was close enough to the moth, it quickly made it's move and attacked the moth.  Before the moth knew it, it was in the jaws of the spider.



The moth put up a good fight but was out-matched by this persistent adversary.  Looking more closely I realized what kind of spider it was.  A black widow was holding on to it's prey and wasn't letting go. I was thrilled to catch mother nature at work on camera.  A once in a lifetime event!

Christine

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You're too kind.....I think I would have killed it! Sorry :(

Ina in Alaska said...

1. I would faint dead away if I saw such a huge spider sashaying along INSIDE OF MY HOUSE!!!!!!!

2. Please tell us what you did next. About the spider. And are they common in your parts (they are not at all common here, in fact I do not believe I have ever seen one "live").

I almost had a heart attack just looking at it. Are these spiders regular visitors to your house? EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

That gives me the chilly goosebumps, but not the happy kind! I'm with Milah...I'd have killed that black spider right away. You need to anyway, if it's poisonous!

Christine said...

During the summer months I have seen Black Widows but not in large numbers. They are about the size of your thumb nail or slightly larger. I will kill one if I can get to it, but this one I couldn't get to without breaking my neck.

Anonymous said...

ewwwwwww!! I do not like spiders!!
not in a box
not with a fox
no I do not!!!!

Anonymous said...

Fascinating and totally creepy all at the same time.

Ina in Alaska said...

ewwwww...... thanks for the follow up..... I would still get rid of it ........... so scary! OK, I know I live in an area where a moose or bear could pop up out of nowhere, but spiders of that size absolutely would give me nightmares especially since they are IN the house......

PS I agree with you about Casey Anthony. She is a liar. She is toast. Why could'nt she have given that beautiful little child to her mom or another caring home? Sick lady for sure! She should be locked up for life. There is no reasonable or believable explanation for not reporting your child missing for over 31 days. And where was her mother all this time??