July 4, 2023

I am a female Mabel Orchard Orbweaver

If I were male I'd have a single red band

My mate also has much larger pedipalps

Despite being smaller than I am.

I use my pedipalps to help catch prey

And hold it while I inject venom

My mate uses his... for something else

When love is gaining momentum...

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html

https://www.britannica.com/animal/spider-arachnid/Importance#ref494939

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson