Man, it's so hard to get one of these in focus like this! Great shot, Jeff. And while I don't want it in my bed or anything, I wouldn't say it's ugly.

I wouldn't call it ugly either..it's downright beautiful compared to some I've seen hanging right outside my door...gotta get the broom...I think the bright colors on this little insect eater are very clear, so i'm going to say that the clarity is very good here...well, I guess the clarity is good anytime you can acutally see the spider's web in a post. I like the way you've treated the background. It wouldn't have looked right with just a totally blurred canvass, so the extra green..looks like leaves to me..grace the pic with just the right amount of balance so that there is not only something to compare the little guy to, but it makes for a clean angle for added interest in the total take. This is just something that popped into my noggin' , but I also like the way the third spear of grass IS blurred..so you have the element of three, odd numbers usually are the ticket in composition, but at the same time it creates that extra something by the very fact that it's blurred. I usually pass spider and snake and definitely toad and frog pics by without comment, but you've done an excellent job off not just presenting the spider, but creating art. :)PJ

Black-and-Yellow Argiope

Scientific name: Argiope aurantia Lucas
(Araneae: Araneidae)

Facts: The black-and-yellow argiope is a particularly attractive and large species of orb-weaving spider. It is also known as the yellow garden argiope and the "writing spider". Orb weaver spiders are some of our more conspicuous spiders. Many people think of a typical orb weaver web when they think of a spider.


ABOVE: copy pasted for you, Jeff from an online info source...:)

I see these here and think they are awesome...and yes, they get huge...but the webs they weave are amazing, and they are VERY helpful critters and not really biters...just maybe scary?

Beauty is as beauty does. I like things that eat bugs. This is an amazingly clear and sharp photo. The blades of grass are a great background, too.

Man, do I ever have smart friends! Thanks for all the info on my spider...

Awesome closeup and excellent compostion. What a great post even tho I don't like spiders :)

I almost couldnt bring myself to look at this, I have a pretty serious spider phobia;P Great macro!

Ahhh, Whan a beauty! I love spiders... Yes, indeed this is an "Argiope aurantia Lucas"...
Nice macro, clear, sharp, and the colours are right..!
Well done Jeff...

That is a fantastic close up Jeff, I can't believe how clear it is, and I like the background too., by the way, thank you for all the kind comments you have left me on my recent photos.. Gregg.

but a pretty pic , nice work.