In December I photographed a butterfly in a strange position and subsequently discovered the Orb Weaving Spider in the process of wrapping it. At the time I was trying to document the various species of grass and butterflies we have here, so I wasn’t looking for spiders. At first I thought the butterfly may be mating, as … Continue reading Orb Weaving Spider Wrapping Butterfly
Category: Spiders
Huntsman Spiders
In the comments beneath the Leaf Curling Spider post, macmsue and I have been comparing Huntsman Spider stories, so I thought this might be a good time to post a photos of one. It has been sitting there, waiting for an opportune time! I rescued this spider from the flue above the stove in the … Continue reading Huntsman Spiders
Leaf Curling Spider (Phonognatha graeffei)
About a month ago, it seemed there were Jewell Spiders everywhere, but this week the Leaf Curling Spiders have taken over. As the name suggests, each spider uses a curled leaf suspended in the centre of the web as a protected hiding spot. I’m actually thankful to see the leaves suspended as it has saved … Continue reading Leaf Curling Spider (Phonognatha graeffei)
Jumping Spider
Apparently there are more than 300 species of jumping spider across Australia, so I haven’t been able to narrow this one down to a specific species. It is an interesting looking spider though – as far as spiders go. I must admit I am not a spider fan. However, keeping a species list has meant that … Continue reading Jumping Spider
Jewell Spider (Austracantha minax)
I have photographed the Jewell Spider or Six Horned Spider, or Christmas Spider (among other names for this creature) previously, showing the white spots on the upper body. This time I was able to photograph the underside of the spider. The white and yellow dots indicate this is a female spider. The male is smaller, … Continue reading Jewell Spider (Austracantha minax)
Austracantha Minax (Christmas Spider, Jewell Spider or Six Horned Spider)
Sitting on the twine that supports our broad beans in the vegetable garden was a colourful and (we thought) unusual looking spider. My internet research, verified from several differnt sources, including the Museum of Victoria, tells me that this spider’s scientific name is Austracantha Minax. It seems to have several common names including the … Continue reading Austracantha Minax (Christmas Spider, Jewell Spider or Six Horned Spider)
Fifteen Acres 