The End is Near by Leeco
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Description
Nikon 7900 image.
Here is an example of the balance of nature. This unlucky immature male Common Whitetail Dragonfly (who is a very efficient predator) has become the prey of this Common Black and Yellow Garden spider (Argiope aurantia).
I will admit that my first instinct in cases like this, is to save the Dragonfly. It usually takes a conscious effort of will on my part to not interfere but to let Nature take it's course; however in this instance, the spider was way faster than I was. By the time it registered on my mind what was really happening, it was over.
I have watched this spider for the past month and I was trying to get an unusual POV of her, when suddenly the Dragonfly hit the web. It took only a moment for the spider to end the struggle and thereby help her produce a new generation of spiders.
Lots of bugs eat other bugs and that's the way it is.
Aside from the carnage, I also managed to get a good shot of the bottom of this very common and very colorful Spider.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee
Comments (24)
MrsLubner
Such drama! :-) Life and death played out right here for us to see. Love it! I too have trouble letting nature handle things without my help. But doing so is the right thing. Your pov and detail here is magnificent.
MUSEWORX
Excellent action! Here in south Africa I have encountered many of these spiders and they are quite frightning..can only imagine what a sight of terror they must be to a poor insect.
mbz2662
Excellent! I like to watch those spiders when they are around. I haven't seen one here in a while. A GREAT photo!!!
FrenchKiss
Fabulous image even though it makes me cringe. Very well shot. That spider looks huge and VERY scary!
wonderworld
Gorgeous shot and focus but feel bad for the once beautiful dragonfly.
carlx
Awesome and dramatic capture!!! Excellent details and light, too!!!
Brandi
I hadn't seen those spiders before until this summer. My best friend (who lives right across the street) has a web with 3 huge ones in the corner of her back yard. Then I discovered (rather unpleasantly) while mowing my yard that I have one of them on the side of my house. It scares the hell out of me! lol! I had a big half circle patch of grass that didn't get mowed because I made sure to stay far, far away from that web. lol! I have been trying to work up the courage to go and get some shots of it, but I'm not sure that will happen! :P
JeffG7BRJ
Fantastic shot Lee, I too feel sad for the Dragonfly but that is the way with nature. Great pattern on the spider. Strange how six of the legs have a light colour at the top and the two front ones don't.
L8RDAZE
Amazing detail/color captured...can even see the spiders "SPINNERETS"! A dramatic...LIFE/DEATH struggled documented here!
Biffowitz
Looks like he's going to be eating pretty good today. Awesome capture, what timing!!
mamabobbijo
Amazing catch! Mullaney found one last year, she had an egg bulb spun on a branch. The whole thing had come down in a storm. The "cold hearted" Mom stayed right with the egg bulb. Her Papa put the whole thing in a plastic case and they checked every morning until the eggs hatched. She didn't eat anything for around a week unless it stepped in her mouth, just guarded those babies. After the hatching the whole clan was released in the backyard. Everytime she sees a spider Mullaney says "Good Morning"
mooreno
but the dragonfly understands his death
tizjezzme
You are just like me; only I interfere more than I should. :) Awesome and very impressive shot here Lee... so very clear ... was this done hand-held? Love it...
Chaos911
wow, thats a big spider!
TwoPynts
Yes, the balance of nature. Great minds think alike I guess. ;'] Exquisite detail!
BibbyBear
A fantastic and timely capture (for you I mean!) shame about the dragonfly though - I would definitely be in his corner for this battle if I was there. Great POV and details shown here. xx
mark.spooner
Excellent!
bpclarke
Wow! What an amazing capture. I can't imagine getting something like this. Bunny
lizzibell
Great capture...
yorkshire_pud
Just had to come have a look at the first :O) Awesome image!!!
RobyHermida
Excellent !
eborg1
Wow, this picture gives me the shivers.
gradient
Nice crisp shot of this murder scene!...usually the spider webs are no match for the strength of the dragonflies in my area. This must be quite a large spider!
Natali_a
Fantastic .......!!!