Look what I found, a Shamrock Orbweaver. They’re maturing, and will be quite active August through October, so look for them in the garden, fruit trees, eves of the house, etc. Don’t kill her. She’s not only harmless; she’s your friend. She has a voracious appetite for all kinds of pesky insects, and with a “belly” this size, she’s about to lay eggs and release her reinforcements: baby orbweavers when mature will also attack and destroy insects.
Listen up ladies – ready for some toxic femininity? Female orbweavers catch medium to large insects including those larger than themselves. They ignore small insects. Males, however, are not able to catch prey larger than themselves and must settle for puny catches. Tell me you’re not smiling…
Her web is fashioned like an orb about 20 to 30 inches in diameter. She then makes a retreat out of silk near one edge of the orb connected by a signal thread to the center of the web which is a vibration conduit when prey is snared. You go, girl!
Shamrock OrbweaverFemale spider is wonderfully beneficial. Found in Skagit County, WA
How fascinating: spider silk transforms from liquid protein to solid thread when it leaves the the spider's body. Spiders can produce up to seven types of silk, each one comprised of varying protein sequences. Each serves a distinct purpose such as flexibility to absorb impact from prey, another type makes the thread less brittle, and one protein type fights bacteria and fungus which keeps the web moist.
Spiked LegThe Shamrock orbweaver has spikes on its legs to help catch and hold prey.
Her legs have tiny spikes which aid in catching and holding prey. (Stop Resisting!!!)
Shamrock OrbweaverPacific Northwest Photographer
On a whimsical note? She’s also known as the Pumpkin Spider. I think she must like Halloween.
