Monday, July 11, 2016

Celeste the Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge venusta)


Last year, it was Regina the Garden Spider.  This year our patio spider is Celeste the Orchard Orbweaver.  At least that's what I think she is based on some photos (in the one above, you're looking at her underside) and descriptions of their habits.

She spins a very fine cobweb type of web, she flits about like she's flying, and she hangs upside down from her web.  Check, check, and check.  She has metallic bits on her that shine richly.  And a bit or orange or red.  She has very long front legs.  She's an elegant creature.

I know this will end in sadness, as all relationships with short-lived creatures do, but we'll enjoy her until then.  Even though she's spun her web across the two chair where we like to sit before dinner enjoying our Lemon Drop Martinis.

Oh, well, we'll cram together on the uncomfortable wrought iron bench on the other side of our tiny patio and admire her from a distance.

4 comments:

  1. She's beautiful! I haven't seen any orb spiders in my garden for a few years now and I have no idea why. They are so fascinating!

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    1. It's not a very good photo. Regina never minded if you got close to stare at her, but Celeste gets nervous if we invade her space. Somewhere, I've probably got a zoom lens. Maybe even in my camera - I'm gadget illiterate.

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  2. She is certainly very elegant, not at all like the big hairy monster inhabiting my garden shed! I love her name too. You should put some cushions on that wrought iron bench and cuddle up!

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