…for the next generation of garden spiders to emerge from their papery egg sack. They hatched inside the sack last fall but are waiting for warmer spring temperatures before venturing out.
Their beautiful mama protected my garden all last summer. I enjoyed her daily company and appreciated her catching all the free loaders (although I was not happy with her when I saw two butterflies in her web).
These spiders are harmless to humans. They’re very beneficial in the garden and fascinating to watch. When they catch prey they vibrate the web to entangle it.
So today heralds the vernal equinox…now bring on the warmth – I’m so looking forward to summer company.
© WryGrass 2013
The paper egg sack is really cool!
It is. It’s hard to tell in the picture that the sack is about the size of the tip of my thumb. The mama was one of the largest garden spiders I’ve seen. Her body was about the size of my entire thumb and her leg span would have filled my palm. Thanks for visiting and commenting!