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Insert Foot


Insert Foot
Photo Information
Copyright: Howard Cheek (marhowie) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5745 W: 1225 N: 10569] (34529)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-21
Categories: Spiders
Camera: Canon EOS 1D Mark III, Sigma 150mm F2.8 APO Macro DG HSM, Digital ISO-500
Exposure: f/14.0, 1/400 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Camouflage, Bayram's Favorites-1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-05-22 5:41
Viewed: 769
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 86
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This Crab Spider is inserting foot in mouth, I'm sure everyone can indentify :) Shown on Snapdragon flower.

Habitat:
The habitat of Misumena Vatia is the world. Flowering crab spiders, or Goldenrod spiders, are indeed the same arthropod, these are simply different names for different continents. The spider can be found in Europe and Britain extensively, but is only found in North America near Mexico all the way into the Amazon River. The Family Thomisidae, which refers to the “crab spiders” (named such for their leg distribution and the side-ways manner of their locomotion), is found all about the world. Misumena Vatia specific habitat is the local flora. All crab spiders dwell within or upon plant life. Flower coloration is a heavy factor of survival to the crab spider and as such most will dwell solely in foliage similar to their pattern of coloration.

Nutrition:
All crab spiders are carnivorous, eating small insects that tend to be attracted to flowering plants. You see, this is the Misumena Vatia’s strategy: it waits upon or within a chosen flower, its arms outstretched, until a suitable meal arrives, whatever flying insect it may be. Like all spiders, the crab spider’s fangs produce venom which paralyzes the victim so it may be dissolved (spiders liquefy the internal contents of their victims) and eventually drained for nutrients. The fangs also hold and penetrate the victim for feeding purposes.

Defense and Protective Coloration:
Misumena Vatia’s defense from predators is important, as the spider is fed upon by birds and a variety of omnivores and carnivores located within the tropical rain forest. The poison of the crab spider is potent enough to incapacitate most insects very quickly, despite their size. However, against larger predators, such as birds, a new strategy must be arranged. This strategy is evasion.

The crab spiders evade their predators by not being noticed. Each type of crab spider is camouflaged to match the blooms of the flora in its natural habitat. By not being noticed the Misumena Vatia can focus its attentions on other matters, rather than actively defending itself from predators. This coloration is also the main strength of its method of predation.

Thanx for lookin'
boreocypriensis, eng55, SelenE, Silvio2006, Amadeo, Pentaxfriend, Argus, darwin, haraprasan, jaycee, vanderschelden, nglen, rousettus, maurydv, lise, tuslaw, anel, mariki, JPlumb, bobcat08, uleko, fartash, gracious, meyerd, magiqa, iris, yasin has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To meyerd: Size Matters ;}marhowie 1 05-24 17:09
To Mana: I know what you mean..marhowie 1 05-23 07:12
To boreocypriensis: Cleaningmarhowie 2 05-22 06:49
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 353 W: 3 N: 376] (1127)
  • [2008-05-22 5:56]

Hi Howard,
Beautiful capture.All features of crab spider is shown here.Exposure is spot on as always.I liked pose of spider also a lot.Excellent macro job!
Thanks for posting.

Hi Howard!
What a cute Musimena! Yes you can sure that we know its species:) I think this guy clean his mouth parts after an ambushing:) of a prey: may be a poor bee?, butterfly? and etc.:) Many thanks for sharing this cute ambusher!
Cheers,

Bayram

Hello Howard,
Lovely shot!Very interesting crab spider.Beautiful composition.
TFS.
Makkala

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2339 W: 59 N: 3777] (12120)
  • [2008-05-22 6:06]

Hi Howard,
It's very well exposed,the texture of all the whites are clearly visible. Focus, sharpness, POV and details are very nice. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

Hola Howard, se está chupando las garras, buen momento, una buena aproximación de esta Thomisido, con buena luz, nitidez y contraste de blancos. Un saludo

Hi Howard, my today neighbour, amazing macro of this spider with splendid details and great sharpness, very difficult white on white, but you do very well,BRAVO!, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1031 W: 26 N: 2984] (10774)
  • [2008-05-22 6:22]

Hi Howard,
very impressive, beautiful variations of white all round this one! Expertly taken and a great moment caught, very well done.
Paul

Hi Howard,

Amazing shot
Perfect sharp details
Superb compo, colors and use of flash

TFS Thijs

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2596 W: 133 N: 7433] (23169)
  • [2008-05-22 6:50]

Hello Howard,
I can't ID this foot-licking Crab Spider but's its a great macro to look at with superb sharpness and detail of most of it so that it shows well on its white Snapdragon flower.
TFS this beauty,
Ivan

Hello Howard
As with all your pictures there is the same high level of patience and observance in this picture....Its something I have never seen a spider do before.
Photographically beyond reproach with superb exposere of the white on the white.
Best Regards
Paul

Hi Howard
Superb shot with amazing detail
Splendid textures on the white color tones
Very nice composition and moment. tfs jon

Hi Howard,
Looks like it is brushing its tooth :>. A lovely capture with superb details and a lovely composition. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1778 W: 8 N: 4597] (14871)
  • [2008-05-22 9:18]

Hi Howard,

I bet you were thrilled with this crab with his foot in his mouth - I would be. Superb whites and off-whites and immaculate details of the spider. You have a wonderful eye and great timing.

Jane

Hello Howard,
A long time ago since you posted a similar spider image.
There's always some action going on as if it is an image from a science fiction movie. Actually it is the real stuff; you explained this very well through your note.
Well done...
Annick

I have never seen such a thing, but obviously there is always a first time for everything :)
Fantastic whites, a joy to look at.
Regards, Felipe.

hello Howard
what a nice macro-shot for this Crab spieder inserting foot in mouth. Excellent sharp details, great POV and composition. Exposure also great. good information. thanks. best wishes
Ahmet

great pic, TFS Ori

Spettacolare macro, eccellente POV frontale, ottima DOF in relazione al rapporto d'ingrandimento, bellissima composizione con i petali vellutati e il mimetismo del ragno. straordinaria nitidezza, perfetta esposizione con dei colori stupendi e leggibili in ogni sfumatura di bianco. GHrazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1681 W: 242 N: 5550] (19643)
  • [2008-05-22 14:16]

Pin-sharp macro of this Crab Spider cleaning eating its foot :-) (or just cleaning it!)
Exceptionally detailed with very good clarity.
Great composition and I like the POV.
Superb DOF.
Very good shot of this not-often-seen behaviour :-)

Cheers Howard!

Joe

  • Great 
  • lise Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 182 W: 52 N: 552] (2671)
  • [2008-05-22 18:12]

hi Howard,
This is an amazing white on white composition. Very sharp and detailed spider.
Very well done.
Lise

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 232 W: 8 N: 598] (1901)
  • [2008-05-22 18:59]

Looks like he is saying (that was finger lickin good)
Excellent photo Howard, Perfect exposure and very sharp image.
Who would have ever thought a spider could be so beautiful, as you have depicted in this outstanding photo. Great work! Informative notes!
Ron

Hello Howard,
Amazing details, and this strange action is very well captured!
Excellent macro with pin sharp details, appealing composition!
Greetings,
Pablo -

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1166 W: 0 N: 1950] (8279)
  • [2008-05-23 0:54]

hello Howard,
Amazing picture showing this crab spider sucking its finger..excellent and unusual shot, technically perfect like always. Unfortunately I never observed a crab spider eating. So now I know how it looks like.
Thanks
Have a nice day
Anne

Hello Howard,

Excellent picture of this spider. Great composition with an excellent timing. Excellent exposure and superb delicate colours.
Cheers,
Mariki

Just as well you're not a bird Howard, you picked this guy off easy, with his foot in his mouth yet.

This is another amazing macro from you, of this spider. Depth of field using an f/14 has given excellent focus on the spider with very good clarity on the flower he is currently residing on. The composition and colours are excellent. I read your notes; those are excellent as well, I learned something there. I have a question though. Most flowers only last a few days - weeks, does the spider just hunt out others, or does it ensure survival of the species through further propagation? Just curious, very nice work.

Thanks, John

Hello Howard,

"Bon apetit" Howard.

An amazing macro of this spider with splendid details and great sharpness. It's a very difficult white on white photo. I believe you do it very well. Amazing sharp details. Well done. Have a nice weekend and TFS BOB

Howard,

I looked at this picture yesterday. It really makes me wonder how many of those spiders I walked by without realizing that they were there.... It blends in quite nicely.
In any event, I really like the pose you've captured here. I do believe that this is the first picture of a spider in such pose I see posted on TN. Wonderful work.

Best Regards,

Martin

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2458 W: 168 N: 7420] (23432)
  • [2008-05-23 9:38]

Hello Howard,
This one seems to be biting its nails while waiting for its next victim!! Excellent capture showing beautiful whites and very sharp details. Very well compsoed too!
TFS and cheers, Ulla

Dear Howard
Superb shot of this Crab Spider,
Great details,exposure and BG.Welldone my friend.

Regards
Fartash

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1199 W: 68 N: 2473] (8159)
  • [2008-05-23 10:20]

Hello Howard,
Wonderful photo of this Crab Spider. Excellent clear and natural colours. Perfect details and use of the flash. Great composition and a very good timing.
Regards,
Peter

Bonjour Howard
Félicitation pour cette très jolie prise de vue avec un super macro.
Félicitations pour la netteté et les détails.Elle est très spécial cette araignée.

Merci pour l'envoie et Bravo

Hello Mr.Cheek,
Super fine macro in such good closeness!
the exposure and focus is spot on with great details, nice colour and sharpness!
I enjoyed it very much
much appreciated for the posting
regards
Tony

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1714 W: 24 N: 4988] (16346)
  • [2008-05-24 3:30]
  • [+]

Hi Howard,
What a moment you have captured here.........great! Very interesting behaviour and something to take note of. Very neat and sharp image with perfect lighting and exposure. The white on white has been handled skillfully. Excellent POV and composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

Hi Howard,
you kept your promise and went out hunting in the macro world. You show us your crab spiders, they don't look much different from ours (Misumena). Good lookin' babe nevertheless. But how about the size? The pose you caught with the foot in the mouth is original. I checked your ISO (500), I could not go beyond 100 myself with the old Konica Minolta.
My best regards
Dietrich

  • Great 
  • cako Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 379 W: 0 N: 360] (1947)
  • [2008-05-24 14:03]

Hi Howard
very good caprure
Very interesting crab spider.Beautiful composition.
well done.

This is the palest spider I have ever seen! It must suffer from anemia or maybe it is an albino! (Just joking!)
Think I prefer my Cambodian giant spider friend. But your photo is very good and informative! I learn a lot each time I look at the Trek-sites, esp Trek Nature. TFS!

bonjour howard
c'est une fois de plus extra,j'ai pourtant deja pris ces araignées en photo mais je n'ai jamais pu voir les crochets de cette manieres.
excellent.
laurent

Lovely. Great subject. I love this little spider. Perfect control of the exposure for this white-on-white shot. Great control of the DoF, too, to really add a 3D feel to this.
Mike
P.S. Tripod at 1/400? You must be a creature of habit!

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-05-28 21:08]

Hello Howard

Looks like maybe this spider stubbed it's toe.
Awesome clarity and focus.
The illumination is wonderful.
Excellent colours.
TFS

Rob

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 389 W: 40 N: 729] (2300)
  • [2008-05-30 2:55]

Hi Howard,
I wonder how do you manage to find these terrific actions even in macro shots. Superb macro with fine details, action and exposure.I am yet to come across a spider that is ready to put it "foot in its mouth...":)
TFS & Cheers

Hello Howard,
very clean - both the image and the spider.
A beautfully simple and strict composition.
And I love the subtle colours and the pleasantly dimmed light.
Thank you! With best regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • yasin Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 31 W: 1 N: 43] (129)
  • [2008-06-03 23:32]

Great macro shot, Howard!
A smart Musimena with the camouflage on the white flower. TFS and for your useful notes.

Best regards,
Yasin

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3446 W: 144 N: 5881] (17425)
  • [2008-06-04 15:14]

Looks like she's sucking her finger and not her foot!! Very dainty looking habit too. She is very camouflaged in the white flower.
Well seen Howard
Janice

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