Elizabeth BoatmanAs with so many things, a lot of time has passed since I last visited the Natural History Museum’s spider exhibit. While Exposition Park seems slightly different, the spiders are as cute as ever.
Orb Weavers
I’ve probably said this before; I don’t know much about spiders. I think we have a good relationship, as far as I can tell. I don’t immediately stomp on them. Alas, I can’t recognize a friendly one from a Black Widow. That may prove hazardous one day while I’m poking about in the garage. The spiders featured at this exhibit were mainly Orb Weavers who mind their own business and seldom bite.
They’re also hard to see. It took me a few minutes to adjust my vision and see the spider in the bushes!
The black and white spider blended perfectly with the branches. The pavilion isn’t large, a simple patio-sized walk-through encloser. One could easily cover the distance and see only a couple of spiders, but 250 were added when the pavilion opened. Take some time to look around! Oh, and look up!
Motherhood
Orb Weavers generally lay eggs in late summer or early autumn. We saw several egg sacs attached to leaves and branches throughout the exhibit.
Even more stunning was a glimpse at a female spider with young.
A volunteer told us not to get too close as she could feel threatened and bite. I did my best to frame the shot, but the foliage wasn’t cooperative.
Venomous Spiders!
The pavilion was a safe place to walk and spend some time. The spiders were everywhere…in the bushes, on the ground, and even above my head. The poisonous varieties were in the lobby, safely locked in glass cages.
The tarantula wasn’t interested in socializing. I’m surprised that this much was visible. I tried to photograph the Wolf Spider, but he (she?) wasn’t having it and quickly scuttled away.
The Spider Pavilion will run through November 27th. Tickets are on sale at the Natural History Museum website. To see more images from my visit, please click here.
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