Wildlife August 2010

[TheOnionMan]

I don't see a Wildlife August 2010, and my photos are from May 2010, so perhaps it doesn't matter .  Does anyone recognize what this brightly colored spider is?  The critter's colors are so complementary on the lavender Scabiosa.

[Maggi Young]

I don't see a Wildlife August 2010, and my photos are from May 2010, so perhaps it doesn't matter .  Does anyone recognize what this brightly colored spider is?  The critter's colors are so complementary on the lavender Scabiosa.

I've fixed the August thread deficit 

I've seen something like that spider before.... one of the Crab Spiders?

[zephirine]

I agree with you, Maggi: it's Goldenrod Crab Spider, I think.

[Maggi Young]

There are a few pix in the forum of different types/colours... here are the best :

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=155.msg10540#msg10540   - pale green


http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3485.msg90260#msg90260  - white
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3485.msg90309#msg90309  - pink
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3485.msg90313#msg90313 - species note .... you will see this proves a useful page.

http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2467.msg77290#msg77290   yellow one

[Maggi Young]

Yes, Zeph, a different species to the European ones it seems........
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misumena_vatia

[Anthony Darby]

These crab spiders are awesome. I've seen them (the European version) in southern Europe with huge blue carpenter bees that they've caught. They are found here, but have to settle for smaller prey.

[TheOnionMan]

Hmmm, I always called them crab spiders, only because that's what they look like!  So, Goldenrod Crab Spider it is.  Are the other colors still classified as Goldenrod Crab Spiders?  Checking each of Maggi's links, the color of the spider is very close to the color of the flower, but the poor chap in my photos seems not to know about the fine art of camouflage.  

This white one sitting on an Allium with his prey, is this also a crab spider?

[Anthony Darby]

It be a crab spider with honey bee Mark.

[Tony Willis]

here is one on a Cypripedium montanum in Oregon

[Anthony Darby]

They get everywhere Tony - and so do you?

[maggiepie]

Wasn't sure where to put this link but hope it is ok here.
Amazing pics even if they might make you feel somewhat uncomfortable at the idea of sharing space with them.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gallery-e6frg6n6-1225903527430?page=1

[TheOnionMan]

Wasn't sure where to put this link but hope it is ok here.
Amazing pics even if they might make you feel somewhat uncomfortable at the idea of sharing space with them.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gallery-e6frg6n6-1225903527430?page=1

Remarkable photography.  I imagine that makers of creepy monster movies draw inspiration from such close-up shots and incredible detail on these micro-beasts.

[mark smyth]

Spock would have said "fascinating"

[mark smyth]

Is it only me or does the
meal mite look kind of like an elephant
cat flea a rhino
maggot a walrus

[Anthony Darby]

Her's an aberrant small copper (Lycaena phlaeas) with a yellowish iridescent right fore wing. Curiously, I spotted it first on golden rod growing in next door's front garden.