Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

This last weekend, I visited the Spider Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum. While I did photograph several large spiders, I concentrated on the smaller, exotic arachnids.

The two female Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) are each 3/8-inch, side-to-side.

A female Arrowhead Orb Weaver (Verrucosa arenata), in a typical head-ups position. Cropped to 3:1 magnification (3x life-size).

A female cobweb spider, probably an 'American House' spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum). Approximately 3:1 magnification (3x life-size).

Female Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge venusta). A very colorful spider. Body length approximately 6-mm. 1:1 magnification (life-size).

Whitebanded Crab Spider (Misumenoides formosipes). Approx 1:1 mag (life-size).

All images: Nikon D5000 at ISO 200, Nikkor 105G macro lens with Raynox DCR-150 add-on lens, 1/200-sec at f/16, Nikon SB-600 speedlight with FotoDiox 6x8-inch softbox diffuser.

Spinybacked Orbweaver


Back-lighting by the sun is causing color-diffraction through spider silk and fine hair.


Arrowhead Orbweaver


Parasteatoda tepidariorum


Orchard Orbweaver


Orchard Orbweaver spinning silk


Whitebanded Crab Spider


Whitebanded Crab Spider

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Douglass - You have done the Raynox justice. I have read it is a fine piece of glass in the right hands but have seen few master it. Well done and an informative read to boot.

Illumination on all subjects is very well done. In particular I am impressed with the Arrowhead. It is tucked into the leaves yet the details are well illuminated. Colors on the Orchard Orb Weaver are spot on, beautiful spider. Whites on the Crab spider are well balanced.

Excellent....

B.U.G.S Loc: Tucson, AZ

Love them all - most the white crab, I've yet to even sucessfuly use the Raynox well done.