Spider Preparing a Meal

There is definitely a seasonal theme running on the blogs at the moment. See Robin's post, and UK Wildife's recent post, as well as my own from about three weeks ago. Warning for those who don't like spiders… all those links shows spiders with prey, as does this post. :bug:

I chanced upon the spider this morning when I went outside to bring in the trail cam. It's a common garden spider (Araneus diadematus) and it had just snared a grasshopper in its web.
Approaching the trapped prey

Spreading the webbing

Wrapping the prey

Ready to eat :chef:

The efficiency of the spider is remarkable. The full sequence extended over about 10 minutes, but it took less than two minutes for the spider to complete the cocoon of webbing once the grasshopper was immobilised. I've skipped the part of the sequence where the spider dangled the entombed grasshopper below its perch before hauling it up under the leaf (final shot) for consumption.

I'll try for something less 'gruesome' tomorrow.
Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.

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This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. cwbywz

    7 Sep 2010

    I think I know this guy.

    Spiders are so interesting. Lenora won't even look at the ones I take.

  2. gdare

    7 Sep 2010

    I remember a book about spiders that I read when I was 8 years old: Eight Legs Warriors. I was watching a big garden spider killink and cocooning caterpillar and became interested in them.
    Great sequence 🙂

  3. RobinL

    7 Sep 2010

    I agree, great sequence. Thanks for the link!

  5. Words

    8 Sep 2010

    Crafty Green Poet, thanks!

  6. Words

    8 Sep 2010

    Thanks Darko. There is something special about spiders (though I prefer them outside rather than in the house). Watching them closely has helped me appreciate just how good they are at dealing with prey.

  7. Words

    8 Sep 2010

    Erwin, thanks!

  8. Words

    8 Sep 2010

    Rick, this guy is a female (the males are much smaller). I'm not sure that will encourage Lenora though. Spiders… love 'em, or run a mile!

  9. Words

    8 Sep 2010

    Robin, thanks!

  10. SittingFox

    8 Sep 2010

    Excellent behaviour series :up: There's an absolutely massive garden spider in the side alley of my garden right now. I must photograph it at some point :bug:

  11. Mickeyjoe-Irl

    8 Sep 2010

    I'll try for something less 'gruesome' tomorrow.

    Shouldn't be too hard :yuck:

  12. Wulpen

    19 Oct 2012

    Great

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