Re: OT-argiope/orchard spider

In a message dated 8/25/2002 1:20:00 PM Central Daylight Time, 
justme@prairieinet.net writes:


> http://www.illianagardenpond.org/spider1.jpg
> 

Donna:

These are also referred to as orchard spiders...our local Forest Preserve 
uses them in educational programs for children because they're so docile. 
They even put them on the bare arms of the children and let them crawl 
around.  This would not have been a class I would have remained in. ;-P

We had a "pet" argiope on the side of our patio door...she was very 
interesting to watch (I admit to shuddering tho as she was quite large...legs 
and all about 3" diameter). She remained there until she had spun a case 
around her babies in late August and then died, as they  do. Birds 
(presumably) eat some as nests are sometimes torn apart in the AM. 

I'm told they're very common in Illinois but I'd never seen one until a 
couple of years ago. Usually, we see them in the shrubery. Their nests can 
easily span 16", not including their "anchor" threads. They pump up and down 
on the web if disturbed...quite threatening looking.

Joanie Anderson
Chicago 

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