Just Hanging Out by wysiwig
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Description
The Pholcus phalangioides, commonly known as daddy long-legs spider, is an odd little creature. Its body is usually 2 to 10 mm long, but its legs can grow up to a length of 50mm. They are aggressive hunters and will sometimes eat other spiders. They do this in a particularly clever but nasty way. The daddy long-legs will step on the spider’s web causing it to vibrate. When the spider comes to investigate possible captured prey, well, it’s mealtime for Pholcus phalangioides.
Females can live as long as three years. Males only get about a year. As someone who once had a lifelong case of arachnophobia, it may sound strange that I have become rather fond of these spiders. These are the guys that came to my aid during my medical problems last year when I was besieged by legions of ants.
It has been almost a full year since I fully recovered and I have yet to see another ant. There is one spider that will occasionally visit me. It will sit on the wall behind my CD player while I am at the computer. I have the feeling it is watching me. It seems quite comfortable in my presence.
One recent evening, bored with the radio, I put in an Enya CD titled “A Day Without Rain”. Enya’s music has been described as World/Celtic/New Age. As the music began my little visitor crawled away. I have to admit, I was a little insulted.
I found this one just hanging out under the exhaust fan of my stove. I noticed the white band around one leg. It looked as if it had been broken and put in a cast.
Comments (14)
durleybeachbum
WOW, Mark! What a fabuloso portrait!!! A real humdinger of a photo. I LOVE it! As you know I cultivate these, especially in my pantry where they eat the feed moths who might otherwise lay in the sacks of animal feed and birdseed. There is a photo of the lady who lives over the piano Here and another expectant lady Here
JuliSonne
I agree with Andrea. There is a lady. To recognize the garter on thigh ..... By the way, very interesting observations. Show to her the "Spiderman" Movie.
auntietk
I didn't know spiders had preferences in music! Glad to hear you're still ant free, though. We were over-run at the last campground we stayed in. The ground was pretty wet, and I think they wanted to come inside!
Wolfenshire
Spider didn't like the tunes.
Faemike55
Great capture Mark A very lovely lady
whaleman
Great shot Mark, better in zoom too!
sandra46
WONDERFUL WORK!
vaggabondd
I will be honest I wouldn't want to hang out with this guy lol, nice capture
Cyve
Fantastic close-up !
Chipka
What a wonderful story. I find that spiders are probably a little bit more prone to Lisa Gerrard than Enya. They prefer their world music in darker, heavier tones and leavened with brooding, potentially-spooky melodies. Of course, the spiders in my home have a distinct preference for Jimmi Hendrix. I actually have a few of these spiders in the basement of my current residence. As for this image, it's gorgeous! Such details, especially since these little, arachnid people aren't always the most cooperative of models, nor are they...um...large by any stretch of the imagination. Their size is implied by their legs, but that's just it: the implication of size rather than anything physical. Ah, but they're such nice, little people! Though we have these in Chicago, they're not exactly common. We have those common house spiders, the oddly gentle type with really large abdomens. I like this svelt beauty for a whole raft of reasons, none the least of which is that she's so well captured. And I agree with Juli. She's definitely a lady, and you can tell by her garter belt(s). Her legs probably serve as sensory devices as well...I'll bet like opileones (also called "daddy longlegs" in some parts of the USA) they can probably "hear" with at least two of their legs. Probably the longest ones.
tennesseecowgirl
Great story and great photo Spiders creep me out enough not sure I would like knowing one is watching me .
blondeblurr
I could swear, that I commented on this before - but where is the evidence ??? Anyhow, we also have Daddy/Mummy Long-Legs living or sharing our home with us, no problemo! - gawd knows why they prefer bathrooms corners, to build their quarters ? But I say: 'live and let live' ... they are really harmless and I love to see 'the spin-they are in', when you accidentally touch their web, so entrancing, a bit like a hypnotist ;)) a fine macro Mark, BB
netot
Good looking Pholkie! Is great you have a friend like this, whe he comes to dinner he is doing a big favor! Too bad that his musical preferences aren't good.
myrrhluz
I have gained an appreciation for spiders since joining this site, but I always loved daddy long-legs, (or at least as far back as I can remember.) They were our companions underneath the picnic table. Beautiful capture! Wonderful details and light. Her legs have a pretty translucence and gracefulness. She's lovely. Too bad she doesn't like Enya.