Recently, I photographed my first Spotted Orbweaver spiders in Arkansas. I used to photograph one of their relatives, the Western Spotted Orbweaver, in Utah.

Underside view of a Spotted Orbweaver, Sebastian County, ArkansasUnderside view of a Spotted Orbweaver – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/160, ISO 1600, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light

The first one of these orbweaver spiders I found on the driver’s door and side view mirror of my Jeep. I photographed that one with my cell phone. I didn’t much care for that setting.

The second one I photographed had built her web between two pine trees. I was much happier with that setting and took photos of her with the Canon R7 instead of my cell phone.

Spotted Orbweaver side view, Sebastian County, ArkansasSpotted Orbweaver side view – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/160, ISO 1600, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light

Moving carefully around her large web gave me the opportunity to photograph her from several different viewpoints and perspectives.

Spotted Orbweaver in Arkansas, Sebastian CountySpotted Orbweaver in Arkansas – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/100, ISO 1600, Canon 100-400mm at 360mm, natural light

The morning light was challenging, but my gear was up to it. I wanted as many photos of her as I could take.

Spotted Orbweaver up close, Sebastian County, ArkansasSpotted Orbweaver up close – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/125, ISO 1600, Canon 100-400mm at 349mm, natural light

The web of this spider was large, and I was very cautious about where I moved so I wouldn’t destroy it. This spider uses her web to trap flying insects.

Taking photos from the edge of her web gave me a few shots that made her look otherworldly.

Spotted Orbweaver close up in Arkansas, Sebastian CountySpotted Orbweaver close up in Arkansas – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/160, ISO 1600, Canon 100-400mm at 349mm, natural light

I am tickled to see these Spotted Orbweaver spiders and to be able to photograph them. I don’t really care to have them crawling on me, but photographing them delights me.

I’ve taken more images of this particular Spotted Orbweaver but I’ll have to share them another day.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my insect and spider images.