Glorious spider

Family gasteracanthe, commonly known as a crab spider or spiny orb weaver. How can such a colourful creature not have a name. I am sure it has, but it seems to be a well kept secret.

She just would not stay still or give me the top side for the camera, despite a lot of poking and prodding. In the end, there was only one solution, to chase her onto my hand. Once the shoot was complete, I carefully returned her to the web and all was well.

Update on yesterday’s moth – pretty sure it was a moth, family sesiidae. I have not had any feedback from the expert sites as yet. Not really expecting any either. A rarity I think.

Dave