insects

On the Move

/ Rebecca / 20 Comments

While reviewing my photography from a recent trip to the lake, I noticed a consistent theme that captured my interest. It was the various movements of animals portrayed in the images. I decided to share my observations and then provide my own personal takeaway regarding their behaviors.

When threatened, the Black and Yellow Garden Spider has an interesting way of protecting itself through intentional and vigorous bouncing of its web. This rapid motion makes it appear larger and startles and confuses its predators, including curious humans. The shaking also serves to entangle any prey caught in the web.

My take-away: “Yes, there really is a special kind of crazy in this world.”

From a distance, when I first saw this delicate web suspended on a swaying reed, my initial impression was that numerous gnats had become trapped in the silk. However, I soon realized that they were freely moving about, prompting me to take a closer look. Instead of gnats, I discovered a group of spiderlings navigating their mother’s web. Being too immature to hunt for their own food, spiderlings sustain themselves by feeding on pollen that sticks to the threads of the web. The web serves as both a nursery and a source of nourishment for the young.

My take-away: “Provide for them while they are young, and then gently nudge them out into the great big world.”

It was delightful to see these Southern Painted Turtles basking on a log with their back legs extended behind them and wiggling back and forth. This stretched position, referred to as “splooting”, allows them to flatten their bodies and enhance sun exposure while they enjoy the warmth. The rhythmic movement of their legs promotes blood circulation and is believed to help remove parasites and bits of aquatic plants that cling to their skin and shell.

My take-away: “The back legs, apparently, can also be used to nudge others out of their personal space.”

As I scanned the lovely landscape, a wren unexpectedly came darting in and perched on a nearby branch. It belted out a loud, raspy tune. Then, just as quickly as it had arrived, it was off to explore new places.

My take-away is summarized by the following quote: “Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.” ~J. K. Rowlings

Finally, the Osprey pair, mentioned in a previous post, also appear to be on the move. They have selected a new tree located a short distance from their former nest, which recently collapsed, and are presently engaged in the gradual construction of a new home. The old nest can be seen on the right side in the first photo below. The new nest is on the far left.

My take-away: “And so, begins a new chapter in this book of life.”

It was interesting to witness the lively activity of these creatures as they went about their busy lives. It was a reminder that nature is always in motion. It is a continuously evolving tapestry in which work, vitality and change are integral parts.

“It’s only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage that we move on to better things.”  ~Theodore Roosevelt

“Doing nothing accomplishes nothing, gains nothing, changes nothing, and wins nothing. You have to make a move.”  ~Richelle E. Goodrich

“God is constantly on the move.  I cannot stay where I am and follow God at the same time; responding requires movement.” ~Margaret Feinberg

Walking On Water

/ Rebecca / 18 Comments

As I stood on the boardwalk gazing out at the lake, a Fishing spider suddenly scampered across the water’s surface and came to rest on top of a lily pad. Its thin, lightweight legs covered with water-repellent hairs enabled it to move effortlessly across the water’s surface without breaking the surface tension. There it sat, waiting for some unsuspecting insect or small fish to pass by.

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Following are some of the other spiders that I have seen this year and some of the unique ways that each one is able to thrive and survive in their environment.

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The female wolf spider transports her egg sac, which is affixed to her abdomen, allowing her to carry it wherever she goes. Once the spiderlings hatch, they climb up onto her abdomen, and she carries them with her until they are able to take care of themselves.

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In order to capture their prey, funnel-weaving spiders construct flat, non-sticky webs featuring a funnel-shaped retreat on one side. The spider remains concealed at the rear of the web, hidden from view, until the silk threads are disturbed. Quickly it scurries out, seizes the prey, and takes it back to their funnel for feeding.

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Long-bodied cellar spiders occasionally venture out of their webs to hunt for small insects and other spiders. When they feel threatened, they use a vibrating defense mechanism — shaking their web rapidly to disorient predators and make their location harder to pinpoint. If another spider approaches too closely, they raise themselves up on their long, slender legs to avoid bites, insert their venom, and quickly wrap the intruder in silk.

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Orb-weaver spiders craft intricate, sticky, wheel-shaped webs that serve as their primary means of catching prey. The webs are strategically placed in spots that insects frequent. Remarkably, they can replace their entire web with a new one in just about an hour, ensuring it remains functional.

(Note: For the best viewing experience, watch the video in full-screen mode.)

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The Black and Yellow Garden Spider is a well-known type of orb-weaver. Unlike other orb spiders, it has a unique zigzag band of silk running down the center of its web. This design is believed to attract insects and provide a hiding spot for the spider. When an insect becomes ensnared, the spider injects venom to paralyze it and then wraps it in silk to save for later. This spider also employs a vibrating motion as a defense mechanism.

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It is remarkable to consider the various ways in which God’s small creatures are endowed with distinct strengths and abilities necessary for their self-sufficiency and survival within their specific habitats.

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“Traveller, there is no path. Paths are made by walking” — Antonio Machado