Argiope sp. Ident

[Code Monkey]

Here's a shot of my new free-range Argiope species that I caught while with the in-laws in eastern Maryland. I know it's not the best angle but does anyone have an identification?

 

[Code Monkey]

The above also anounces that the Code Monkey has a new Digicam

 

[johns]

argiope aurantia. nice cam.

 

[MrDeranged]

Nice spider dude. What kind of camera did you end up getting?

Scott

 

[Code Monkey]

The camera is an Olympus C-3030Z. The cool part is that the above close up was taken with the default macro settings, no funky lenses or no futzing with me.

Anyone got any idea how long this gal will last indoors since there won't be any sort of freeze to kill her off?

 

[johns]

code-

app 4-8 months, judging by its sexual maturity.

the black and yellow argiope might drop an eggsac on you...

does she appear gravid?

 

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by johns
code-

app 4-8 months, judging by its sexual maturity.

the black and yellow argiope might drop an eggsac on you...

does she appear gravid?

I don't think so but I can always hope she was recently mated. My wife would just love that - a 2.5" spider in ever corner

 

[SkyeSpider]

Originally posted by Code Monkey
The camera is an Olympus C-3030Z. The cool part is that the above close up was taken with the default macro settings, no funky lenses or no futzing with me.

Good choice! I just bought that one, myself (hence my rabid posting of pictures, lately).

Beautiful spider, by the way!!

-Bryan

 

[Code Monkey]

Thanks for the help so far, John. One more question and then I think I can take it from here

If you look closely at the photo, you'll notice that she's only got 6 legs. 2 of her left legs were missing when I found her. Will a mature female undergo any post-ultimate moults or is she a spider-gimp for life?

 

[johns]

I noticed that in the picture, Code- but thought it impolite to say anything.


Unless you know spider-voodoo, chances are that she'll remain that way

 

[Wade]

John's right...no more molts.

I've never had an adult live more that 1, maybe 2 months after capture. They drop a couple sacs, and then they decline pretty rapidly, looking weak and hanging in the web fo awhile. They'll feed if you put smashed crickets up to their mouths without spooking them. Up to then, though, they're great fun.

Wade