Spider Eating Winged Insect - Araneus miniatus

Moved

Moved from Araneus.

… Jeff Hollenbeck, 20 June, 2007 - 7:14pm

The

eyes suggest Araneus (although similar to a pirate spider) as does the other info you included.
The crotch of the branch is the likely orb weavers retreat.
This is a subadult male.

The pronounced setae on the front legs typical of pirate spiders also appears to be lacking. Pirate spiders do not wrap their prey, which is other spiders, and I do not believe they consume their victims left over prey.

… Jeff Hollenbeck, 12 March, 2006 - 10:49pm

Moved

images. Compare to this and these.

Also, pirate spiders do consume insect prey occasionally.

… Jeff Hollenbeck, 15 April, 2006 - 5:41pm

Pirate vs. Orb Weaver

Don't remember any of the prey being wrapped. Mostly just suspended in the confused web. The web wasn't a well organized thing either. As to the legs, I'll see if I can find or take another shot that basically focuses on the legs themselves.

… Garrett Bailey, 13 March, 2006 - 1:37pm

Image

44725 and 44827 show the prey is wrapped. Your excellent close up of the forelegs does not seem to agree with pirate spider. Neither do the chelicera, in my opinion.

… Jeff Hollenbeck, 13 March, 2006 - 3:50pm

Great

and while you're getting that shot, could you get a full back shot as well?

… Lynette Schimming, 13 March, 2006 - 2:56pm

Would've loved to have tried

Mr. Mystery Spider has moved on...There are alot of spiders in the area with a bright orange blaze on their bottom abdomen. If he is a pirate spider and does eat these guys I might be able to locate him. From what I remember of his rear view, it was ovoid in cross-section and mostly grey with no visible to the naked eye markings. Somewhat like a widow spider might have in shape. We did post a foreleg closeup shot for anyone interested.

… Garrett Bailey, 13 March, 2006 - 3:00pm

Great pictures!

First I'd like to say you have taken some amazing pictures of this spider! Secondly if you see a spider in a web that web usually belongs to the spider. This spider looks like an orb weaver of some kind but I have no idea what species. I just wanted to congratulate you on taking such spectacular photos of this spider!

… Isaac Neeley, 12 March, 2006 - 7:24pm

I agree

awesome photos. I also agree with John and Jane, it looks very similar to a pirate spider, so that's my guess.

… Lynette Schimming, 12 March, 2006 - 7:25pm