It was quite hard to see the fine, sticky threads of the web but I wanted to clearly show the spider and her web to a fascinated but very young visitor - without small pointing fingers wreaking havoc. Here's how I did it: I fetched my tea-strainer and a tiny spoonful of flour, then gently sprinkled a dust cloud of flour over the web. This won't harm the spider - in fact, she didn't even move - but the web and its tiny insect-catching threads can then be clearly seen. (If you have a fine spray bottle, a light misting of water would also work.)
This spider, I think, is an Orb-Weaver and very common in the UK garden. The web is spun in the morning; any insects caught in it are either eaten straightaway or devoured when the web is eaten at suppertime. The next day the process starts again - sort of Groundhog Day, spider style.
Great photo Caro - haven't seen any myself yet but when I do I will try your little trick.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo, my wife's scared of spiders so I'm forever transferring them from house to garden.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of groundhog day for spiders... Not seen many in our garden yet, I always hate to disturb them, so once they web across chairs or between chairs and walls, I can be seen taking very strange routes around my garden! I figure they deserve a little consideration given how hard the work on those webs.
ReplyDeleteI don't generally mind them, and I find their webs fascinting. I try to leave both alone if I can. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteElaine, glad you enjoyed it! It's a neat trick if only to remind yourself where they are!
ReplyDeleteDamo, after a few years living in the Yorkshire countryside it was a phobia I rapidly outgrew! But don't get me started on earwigs ... !
ReplyDeleteHi Janet, I'm the same! I'll also swerve around spider webs to preserve their hard work and usually remember where they are; it's the kids who cannonball through them so it's a good way to introduce respect for nature.
ReplyDeleteFlighty, I agree - the webs are endlessly fascinating and beautiful and, after all that hard work, definitely best left alone (if possible!) x
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