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BillTyler
09-29-2013, 06:57 PM
This arachnid was sitting in the middle of a web, right next to my car where I parked at my local office supply store. I grabbed the camera and took a bunch of shots. I'm not sure whether it's a spider or a solfugid.

Bill

Olympus OM-D E-M5
Olympus M.60mm f/2.8 Macro lens
1/180, f/11, ISO 400
hand-held
direct sunlight, no flash

Mitch Haimov
09-30-2013, 01:21 AM
Well focused. Too bad the light is harsh, but it looks like you might be able to bring up the shadow areas some without causing problems. My understanding is that solifugae do not spin webs, so I believe this is a spider.

BillTyler
09-30-2013, 02:18 AM
Mitch, thanks for the comment. I think you're right about this being a spider. It seems to match the description and picture of Araneus diadematus, the Cross orbweaver, in my copy of Common Spiders of North America. If so, it's a female. (Even if not, it's probably a female.)

I tried bringing up the shadows a bit in Lightroom per your suggestion. Here's the result.

Bill

shane shacaluga
09-30-2013, 06:51 AM
Yes, its most likely an adult female Araneus diadematus. This can only be confirmed 100% by looking at the sexual organs but pretty sure it is

Mitch Haimov
09-30-2013, 09:38 AM
I prefer the repost.

Jonathan Ashton
10-01-2013, 07:45 AM
A fine image, the repost provides a little more detail. I like the fine web, it really is amazing that they never become entangled themselves.
PS - thanks I looked up solfugid - I didn't know what it was!!

shane shacaluga
10-01-2013, 07:50 AM
hahaha Solifugae are like giant jaws with legs. They will mince everything up really quick!