Deinopis Ravidus. Family Deinopidae.
Where we live is surrounded by the Blue Mountains National park. So it should come as no surprise that our home is host to a large variety of crawlies. Rather than get all worked up over a few spiders, sankes and lizards, its far easier to learn about them, their behviour and what to look out for.
One of the most facinating spiders in my garden is the net casting spider. In this case a male. They catch their prey just like a fisherman casting a net for fish!
Net at the ready, (not my photo).
The males legs grow up to 8cm in length and look rather like a stick insect. Harmless to us they make an intersting addition for keeping the bugs down. So, even on a weekend full of work, there is still time to discover something new.
well worth expanding the first photo. SAdly with weekend work, a new deck being built on the house, there was not much time to walk the mountains...
ReplyDeleteooh weird looking thing! funny, when I was in Tasmania, didn't even think about the snakes. I was living in National Park (Sisters Beach)and apparently there were heaps and not enough snake catchers! Only saw one snake when I was out there on Overland Track. A massive Huntsman jumped on me when I was driving in Hobart - that was scarey - even thought they are harmless! I'm off on hols for next 2 weeks. 'See' you on returnx
ReplyDeleteSpiders are amazing creatures. This one looks almost like a clump of twigs. I posted last summer about one who had made her web on the patio for the summer. I named her Charlotte. :^)
ReplyDeleteAbby- Snakes are predictable. I mean in the sense that, once you understand their behaviour, you can avoid them ( generally). Tassie would have been amazing! Huntsmans are a it of a fright when they run over you for sure.
ReplyDeleteWillow- I look that post up! Yes these spiders do look like twigs. I like it how they make a guy wire to hang their back legs on s o they can stay still when throwing the net.
Thank you for visiting and to leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week,
Regards,
Cecilia
welcome!
ReplyDeleteHey Simon
ReplyDeleteI used to have pet spiders.. not intentionally.. they just set up house in my living room and seemed to know the rules.. however last night I had a whopper.. not happy Jan xx Julie
was it a huntsman?? yes- its easier to live with them. I do have some rules though.
ReplyDeleteWhite tails are killed straight away, as too are red backs. Funnel webs used to be caught and sent to the local council for milking. But now I just put females outside and agro males get the boiling water treatment.
Boiling water kills them instantly-faster than incecticides, it does not smell, nor stain carpet etc.
:o)
Interesting. How do you know Sylvie Guillem?
ReplyDeletelong story!
ReplyDeleteWow, Simon. I agree on that first photo. Expanding it was an eye opener for me. Odd looking creature, just because I haven't seen such. Spiders are interesting for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Ted- how are you? hope you are fine. Yes they are very interesting for sure
ReplyDeleteI thought spiders had 8 eyes! I've never wanted to get that close to them to find out for sure.
ReplyDeletethese have a number of eyes Ellee but they have two that look like headlights on a car..
ReplyDeleteThat spider is pretty amazing! All our creepy crawlies are pretty benign, the only thing that spooks me are the bats (there are lots flapping around at dusk - shudder).
ReplyDeleteHow big do these guys grow?
The Welsh train those web-casting spiders to catch migratory salmon, like the Chinese train cormorants.
ReplyDeleteDoing well, Simon. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteShrinky- we have all sorts of bats here, and a few years ago had one flying around inside the house. When I caught it it was a very beautiful creature. Like a mouse with wings.
ReplyDeleteMaalie- haha! love your post on bores....
Ted- thats good!
Hi Simon
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you.. only 3 weeks to go,.. I really considering doing the same... OS that is... have to decide soon.... Have a great trip and even more fun with the anticipation.... and don't forget the passport.. hahahaha.. Julie
ta Julie! I am going to mention your bird photographyy mate maalie
ReplyDelete