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Photo#1084918
Wasp Killer Spider - Steatoda triangulosa - female

Wasp Killer Spider - Steatoda triangulosa - Female
Brighton, Monroe County, New York, USA
June 2, 2015
Size: About 6 mm Body Length
I saw a large yellowjacket blunder into the web of this small spider. I fully expected this relatively large, powerful insect to break free of the seemingly flimsy web. After a minute or two, the wasp seemed to be almost out of the web, but it suddenly stopped moving and appeared to be dead. Presumably, it was bitten and envenomated by the spider. I was surprised that the small spider could pierce the relatively tough exoskeleton of the wasp. This photo shows the spider feeding on its prey at the hind end. I believe the wasp is a German yellowjacket.

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Wasp Killer Spider - Steatoda triangulosa - female Wasp Killer Spider - Steatoda triangulosa - female Wasp Killer Spider - Steatoda triangulosa - female Wasp Killer Spider - Steatoda triangulosa - female

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