Golden-silk Spider (Nephila clavipes) – Nikon D70, handheld, f5.6, 1/60, ISO 500, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, flash fired, not baited or set up
I scoured my files and the scariest thing I could come up with for Halloween is this Golden-silk Spider (other than images of me). I don’t think it is really scary except that it doesn’t have feathers or fur. Okay the legs do look a little furry.
The size of Golden-silk Spider females might be frightening to some, their bodies can be up to an inch long but that measurement doesn’t include the length of the legs, these spiders are not small, think 4 – 5 inches across!
And yes, their web is a golden color instead of the silvery-white I’ve seen with other spiders.
Still, she isn’t very spooky. What humans do to nature is.
Mia
Click here to see more of my insect and spider photos.
Photographed in 2007 at Sawgrass County Park, Pinellas County, Florida
Beautiful photo, Mia! The furry legs are so interesting, it would be really neat to see this spider.
Charlotte, I hope that one day you’ll be able to see this spider in the wild.
Not scary at all but a piece of Mother Nature art. Love your macro. Wouldn’t want this guy in my house…..but a definite beauty nonetheless:)
Thanks Chris, I wouldn’t want this spider in the house either! She is a beauty though.
Mia, I think this is the most beautiful spider I’ve ever seen. I hope she’s not poisonous because I really think she’s lovely. But then nature has to go a long way before I start thinking things are not wonderous.
Merrill, I don’t think this species is poisonous though their bite might hurt. They are beautiful and so is the web, it is gold colored instead of silvery! Thanks for commenting.
This terrified me 😉 Happy Halloween! and thanks for all the great images Mia.
Thank you for all your great comments Stu!
I’m w/Carol on this one, Mia. It was very hard for me to click the link to view this. But, I figured if ANYONE can make a spider look interesting, it’s you. And sure enough – it’s beautiful!
Thanks Tami, I’m glad you clicked the link and enjoyed it even though spiders creep you out!
Love this. I think it is quite scary actually. I hate spiders. They creep me out. So kudos you did it Mia. Carol
Carol, hope I didn’t creep you out too much!
Great photo that is Mia.
Thanks Bob, it fit the Halloween theme!
Lovely shot Mia , I find spiders tough to get all the details , too close vs. all in frame. Neat looking spider too. Happy Halloween
Thank you Dan!