#spiny orb-weaver

[onehourloadingscreen]

I made these add-on swatches for @natalia-auditore’s Arachne set because the spikes reminded me of spiny orb-weavers. Add-ons for kids and toddlers are included as well.

Meshes needed: Arachne set | Arachne for all ages

DOWNLOAD (sfs, ad-free)

@maxismatchccworld @ts4fantasy​

[psikonauti]

Spinybacked Orb-weaver Spider (Gasteracantha cancriformis)

[terranlifeform]

[sinscrivener]

Spiny Orb Weaver Spider

Looks like something off of The legend of Zelda!

[glitterandghouls]

Spiny orb-weavers is a common name for Gasteracantha, a genus of spiders. They are also commonly called spiny-backed orb-weavers, due to the prominent spines on their abdomen (cf. genus Isoxya). These spiders can reach sizes of up to 30 mm in diameter (measured from spike to spike). Although their abdomen is shaped like a crab shell with spikes, it is not to be confused with a crab spider.

[strangeinsugarhouse]

Real Spiny Orb Weaver Spider Ring -$10

https://www.etsy.com/listing/168051431/real-orb-weaver-spider-ring

[lonelybirder]

Lazy Day

Yesterday's excursion to Turkey Creek was particularly uneventful but for the continued prevalence of White-eyed Vireos throughout the sanctuary. I did get some good binocular views, but no photos.

This seems to be a banner year for the species in the sanctuary, and it was interesting to hear all the variants of its songs. A lot of the song segements were reminiscent of other birds. I could hear Eastern Towhee, Great Crested Flycatcher, and even Blue Jay sounds in the vireo songs. I don't know if this is a coincidence or that White-eyed Vireos have developed mimicry as part of their mating or territorial strategies. I will have to investigate.

[Edited to add: A quick Internet search on White-eyed Vireo mimicry does show that they are known for this. On site has some fairly extensive sonograms and recordings, too. In some cases apparently they mimic up to a dozen species' calls! I did not know this. How fun!]

Of the photographs I did take, I took a couple of this magnificent spiny orb-weaver and its web. I don't know the exact species.

Spiny orb-weaver (sp. ?) in its beautiful web.

Close up of the spiny orb-weaver (underside).

Other than that, I caught a few glimpses of Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, heard a few Northern Parulas, and of course, the Northern Cardinals were everywhere (though a bit more quiet than usual). I think I may need to shift my start times to before 7am if I am going to see anything interesting. It was already quite warm by 10:00, which quiets the bird activity tremendously.

[animals-animals-animals]

Spiny Orb Weaver Spider (Gasteracantha cancriformis) (by andrewrothstein)