Spotted Orbweaver with beetle prey – Canon R7, beanbag, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 800, -1.0 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
Earlier this month, I photographed a Spotted Orbweaver with prey from my vehicle on the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
There was a steady breeze blowing that morning, which made it hard to freeze the spider and her prey and have them in focus. I took long bursts of images, hoping a few photos would be sharp enough to share.
Spotted Orbweavers are common at the refuge this time of the year. I see them and their webs along the edge of the hardwoods. The females of this species create webs; the males do not.
Spotted Orbweavers are variable in color but are often golden to rusty red. At times, those colors make them easier to spot against the lush green vegetation at the refuge.
I’m fairly certain that the prey is a June Beetle, which is also known as a June Bug. I’m just not sure of the species.
I enjoy photographing spiders and appreciate the beauty of their webs.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more Spotted Orbweaver photos plus facts and information about this species.
It’s a great pic …but what really amazes me is how you saw this guy, chowing down, from your car! Your vision is incredible! Thanks Mia.
Well done!
Glad she’s getting a good breakfast. Looking forward to the orbweavers’ visiting my yard later this month/early next month!