January 23, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I am a Leucauge argyra,
This time, I'm shown from above.
It's been observed that sometimes I mate and then,
Trap and devour my love.

Sources: Sexual behavior, cannibalism, and mating plugs as sticky traps in the orb weaver spider Leucauge argyra 

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 22, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I am a Leucauge argyra,
Shown here from the underside
Compare me to yesterday's spider,
On my abdomen, there is no bowtie.

Sources: Common Spiders of North America, Richard A. Bradley

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 21, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I am a Leucauge venusta
In Latin, "venusta" means "pretty"
Despite that, many people still fear me,
Which really is quite a pity.

Like many spiders, I won't hurt people,
But I will help you get rid of insects.
I trap them in my complex, angled web,
I'm also quite the architect!

Sources: Common Spiders of North America, Richard A. Bradley

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson