by Howard Cheek
Argiope aurantia immature spider shot today at approx. 1/4 - 3/8" length. F/13, 1/100th, ISO 640, 5DM2, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + 1.4x ext and natural light (-2 exposure bias) @ 9:49am & sunny/clear.
The web was very low to the ground (less than a foot high), so I used a small box for camera support.
I shot this same immature form for the first time almost 10 years ago, with a yellow background from some garden coreopsis flowers. I used the same Sigma lens & Kenko 1.4 extender I still use today..
That image was published in Natures Best Photography, and National Wildlife magazines in 2005-2006. It gave me a nice 'shot in the arm' as I started out, and began my love affair with nature photography :)
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Comments
9 commentsVery nice shots, Howard.
The web is superb. "Our" argiopes build something similar, but much simpler.
D&L
This is a stunning image, Howard, and the story behind it is equally good. The ones I have seen around here are brighter yellow - are those adults of the same species that you are showing? Their webs look just like this one.
Yes Alberto, it's the same species. Commonly known as the yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, or corn spider.
The one thing I've noticed is that the 'zig-zag' portion of the immature web is a much denser/tighter pattern than the adults..
Makes sense eh
Excellent detail showing the pattern on the spider's back and legs. A nice look at the web. Well done, Howard!
What a great way to get started, Howard. I didn't know that about the juveniles' webs. The pattern in this one is terrific.
I've always loved these spiders, from when I was very young. Never couild understand why so many people are phobic about spiders.
Quite an accomplishment for just starting out, Howard. I've said it before, your spider photo collection is extremely impressive. Here's another. Excellent detail and lighting. The spider is great, and I love the zig-zag stitch pattern web these spiders weave.
What a web this little argiope has spun. I was not aware that the immature spider spun the more elaborate web. If I hang around you I'm sure there's a ton more I could learn. Special photo for a special memory. Very nice Howard.
Howard ..thats a very nice frame of the beautiful spider. I lke the inclusion of the details on the web too. nice piece of work
Balan Vinod
Isn't that Ten Years After?
Congrats on getting it published. That's a well deserved reward for an image with amazing details.