Salem

 I have been asked to stop posting spiders because they're just too creepy, so after today there will only be one more post and  then I will focus on some other macro images that I know you will like.

I do have a couple of shots of a larger specimen but she got stage fright so I couldn't her best side and I have skipped those images to share these pictures of Salem a Grammostola pulchra or Brazilian Black. Of all the spiders I photographed this is the one that gave me the biggest chills but surprisingly enough this was the one I got closest to. With all of the others I moved myself into various positions to get the best angles and the best shots but when it came to Salem I actually reached out and moved the open container without thinking what I was doing, my hand just an inch or two from the little beast. When it dawned on me what I had done I was a little freaked out and I am not sure I would do it again. 

So while you are enjoying these photos (which I hope you are) remember I got close, so you don't have to...

Prince Zuko

Today's handsome specimen is a Brachypelma boehmei a native of Mexico it is also known as a Mexican Fire Leg. They normally live in dry scrubland and like to dig burrows in sandy soil. Although they look really creepy this spider sat very calmly, posing for the photo shoot. They do move really quickly when a meal walks by and just thinking about that sends a shiver down my spine. The spider has an interesting defence mechanism too, when startled or threatened they "urticate" , that means they can eject the bristles from their abdomen towards any attacker, they are barbed and the bristles will embed themselves in the skin or eyes and cause serious irritation so beware!

This one is called Zuko and is named after Prince Zuko a character from The Last Airbender. Zuko is a fire bender so the name is quite apt.
 

Cody

 I have had a short break from posting because I had a few days camping down in the New Forest. You can be sure I got some great shots of some of the forest wildlife but before we get to that I have several more days worth of arachnids.

For today the star of the show is Cody (named for a Star Wars character; Commander of the 212th Battalion of Clone Troopers) and it is a fitting name given the species of spider Aphonopelma chalcodes. It is also known as an Arizonan Blonde which seems quite an appropriate name given the hairs on its abdomen and legs.

Its amazing how well it can hold onto the smooth sides of its tank, it needed a little gentle encouragement to move down to get a different pose. Definitely worth a closer look. Even if you are frightened of spiders you can get a look without any risk.

Tika

 Did you see my post yesterday? If not take a minute to check it out because it will make you see spiders in a different light.

The little jumping spiders yesterday were super cute and barely the size of an average finger nail. Unlike today's specimen which was one of the larger spiders I photographed.

This is Tika, a Brachypelma hamorii or Mexican red knee. I forget its actual dimensions but it was definitely large and spectacular. I will readily admit that as the lid was taken off its habitat I  was more than a little nervous. As you can see it was high on the glass side and I was certain it would start to creep out and then I am not sure what I would have done. I was reassured that compared to some of the other species in my daughter-in-laws' collection Tika is quite slow so I would have time to escape if necessary. As it was with a little gentle encouragement Tika climbed down and posed quietly as I snapped away. 

I did get pretty close and I am blown away by the detail and by the vivid colours. 

They still creep me out but I am captivated by the exotic beauty.

Creepy Crawlies

I really do not like spiders, so getting up close with the one above really took some doing.  I know not everyone will appreciate being confronted by these little monsters but I am sure you will agree the detail in these images is really good.

I thought I would post a less scary picture to finish things off today.  This female damsel fly was taking a moment to rest on the reed while all the more colourful males were flitting around busily.