[WARNING TO ARACHNOPHOBIC FRIENDS: SKIP THIS POST.]
You know, if you make a New Year’s resolution that states “Go into the wilderness at every opportunity,” and you find instead that wilderness is coming to you, doesn’t that count? At least a little?
Diameter with legs: about size of a quarter
After I reached for the phone and found an arachnid (species unknown) guarding its buttons, I went outside to our porch benches and looked underneath them. Black Widows hang around buildings and structures, and their webs are blowing in the breeze beneath the seats. Oh, the things it’s better NOT to tell visitors…
Nobody has ever been bitten, by the way. It’s not a safety hazard. I see it as a teachable moment — like the telephone spider who sidled away after my camera lens got too close. Learning to co-exist peacefully with other species that share your space is a useful and compassionate skill.
Ranger Kathryn's Arches 
compassionate? Kathryn, I am not compassionate with spiders.
Tho I am related to a couple who hosted many spiders in their screen porch to observe their habits while eating their meals!
That counts for compassionate, I think.
Continue to co-exist with your nature friends in safety.
Joann
Comment by Joann — January 17, 2012 @ 9:39 pm |
Spiders seem to be one of those odd things to which many people have an aversion. I don’t know if it’s learned or innate. Snakes are another that come to mind. I somehow missed those aversions when they were handed out, and find them fascinating instead. It’s okay if you don’t!
Comment by Kathryn Burke — January 18, 2012 @ 9:27 am |
I admire whatever it was that got you past your instinctive responses – curiosity? will-power? Both?
Comment by leroque — January 18, 2012 @ 6:50 am |
It was both. I startle easily, so gasped and pulled my hand back, and then… then… got drawn in by the beauty of the little guy. I wanted to see if he really had eight eyes. All I saw was the lovely legs…
Comment by Kathryn Burke — January 18, 2012 @ 9:25 am |
i THINK it might be a huntsman spider. http://www.cypenv.info/cypnat/files/spiders.aspx tell me what you think?
Comment by triciao — January 23, 2012 @ 9:47 pm |
I thought that at first! But the Golden Huntsmen I’ve known have black feet and golden-tan bodies and legs. Perhaps there is a sub-species that has the decorated legs? Thanks for pondering this spider!
Comment by Kathryn Burke — January 23, 2012 @ 10:04 pm |
Last spring Kyle saw something out of the corner of his eye move across the desk. Upon closer inspection: a teeny tiny baby scorpion. It got away and he never found it!
-Beth Gershman
Comment by Beth — January 29, 2012 @ 10:10 pm |