1.1.0 Nephila clavipes Costa Rica

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  Ellenantula

• Mar 23, 2019

Looks like (in the right sunlight) she would be iridescent! Web looks a little messy at top -- hope she caught a good supper there.

 

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  Ungoliant

• Mar 23, 2019

@Ellenantula Their main orbs are protected by barrier webs, which helps protect them from wasps.

 

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  Ellenantula

• Mar 23, 2019

So -- the sloppy webbing at top is protective? I noticed the bottom (and rest of web in view) seemed like a neater round design, but the top looked messed up or something. Beautiful spider anyhow.

 

• 

  Ungoliant

• Mar 24, 2019

@Ellenantula Yeah, I think that area might be two layers of webs, but it's hard to tell.

You can see the barrier webs of a sling here:


Here it looks like the orb connects to the barrier webs at the top:

 

• 

  Ellenantula

• Mar 24, 2019

It's very cool - thanks for explaining because I had no idea!
I remember as an arachnophobic child being terrified when I'd see large orbs in Mom's garden. Yet even then, after a good rain (or morning mist) I found their webs so intriguing and dazzling!
Today, I almost regret these guys can't be kept as indoor pets. lol Times change!
Thanks for sharing the pix -- I enjoy the gallery here a LOT!

 

• 

  Ungoliant

• Mar 24, 2019

@Ellenantula I am sad, because ever since the town started spraying for mosquitoes, I have seen very few Nephila clavipes; they used to be all over the neighborhood.

 

• 

  Ellenantula

• Mar 24, 2019

That's a shame. Luckily I still see a large variety of garden spiders where I live. And I still love to see their webs after a good rain.