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Ambition pays off


Ambition pays off
Photo Information
Copyright: Gerhard Theron (gerhardt) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1936 W: 244 N: 4106] (11620)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-10-30
Categories: Spiders
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Tamron AF70-300mm LD, Kenko Extension tube (36mm)
Exposure: f/16, 1/40 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Crab spiders with prey [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-11-17 3:34
Viewed: 5222
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Flower Crab Spider (Thomisus sp.)
Very similar to misumenoides formosipes

Family: Thomisidae
This is a large family with 160 genera and about 2000 known species. In Southern Africa they are represented by 39 genera and about 140 species. They are wanderers (plant and ground dwellers); free-living spiders found mainly on foliage with only a few genera living on the ground. Their body size varies from 3-23mm.

The body colour is variable, from brightly coloured (pink, green, yellow) to dark brown or grey with a mottled appearance, abdomen frequently with patterns. The carapace varies from semicircular, ovoid to elongate, in some genera strong protuberances or eye tubercles present. The eyes are 8 in 2 rows (4:4) with lateral eyes usually on tubercles that vary from rounded to distinct. The abdomen are variable in shape from round to ovoid to elongate, sometimes extending past spinnerets. Legs I and II are usually longer than III and IV, anterior legs frequently with series of strong spines on tibiae and metatarsi. Thomisids are commonly found on plants and also inhabit grass, shrubs, flowers and trees. They are frequently encountered on crops. They occur in all the different biomes.

Thomisids have lost their agility, and have become semi-sedentary to excel as ambushers. With their cryptic colouration most species await their prey, usually on plants. They are mainly active during the day and their gait is sideways or crab-like hence their common name. They have strong bodies and robust front legs, which enable them to attack prey much larger than themselves. They are able to detect motion 20 cm away. Prey are seized, frequently from the air when 0.5-1 cm away.

Although they have weak chelicerae, they secrete extremely potent venom, which enables them to attack insects 2-3 times their size. They have no cheliceral teeth and their prey is consequently not mashed but sucked dry. The carcass is held in a natural position while it is being fed upon and thus offers some protection to the spider, which is still on the plant. Thomisids display an interesting range of adaptations to their habitat.

Venom
Little is known about the effect of their venom on humans. The few bites reported have exhibited a slight swelling and redness but without any cytotoxic damage to tissue.

You wouldn’t believe it! I did not know I was taking this picture. It was the first shot for the day and I just wanted to make sure everything is ok with the camera. So I saw the bee and snapped it. The damselfly I posted some time ago came along and distracted me from the bee. A started taking photo’s of it. Last night I went through my photo’s to discard some of the OOF ones. I cam upon this one and thought the bee was sitting strangely on the flower. When I enlarged… WOW!!!! I am very excited with this shot even if it was pure luck.

Sorry technical data not available will post this afternoon.
coasties, red45, AndyB, RAP, PDP, marhowie, Luc, nwoehnl, deud has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
Technical datagerhardt 1 11-17 12:49
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Critiques [Translate]

Very nice shot I like the fusion between the flour and the spider.
Well done

You have to look hard to see the spider. Looks like it has its pajamas on :-). Great image. TFS.

Great action Gerhard.
The spider is well hidden in the flower.
Good colours , details and nice composition.
Great note.
Very well done.

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2636 W: 74 N: 9091] (31094)
  • [2004-11-17 4:22]

Oh yes! Power of the mimicra. You captured great moment Gerhard!

  • Great 
  • AndyB Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1366 W: 32 N: 1351] (3982)
  • [2004-11-17 4:44]

An amazing capture!
I can see how you nearly missed it,the camouflage is excellent.It must have been a nasty shock for the hoverfly.
A great shot,well done.

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2004-11-17 6:50]

Si además de competir con tu talento, debemos hacerlo con tu buena suerte... creo que estamos perdidos. ;-)
Gran imagen... por el oportunismo de la misma, por la calidad con la que se aprecia la araña y su presa, a partir de una excelente agudeza y colorido.
Hay que emencionar también el correcto encuadre y un perfecto DOF, además de tus notas y relato.

If besides to compete with your talent, we must do it with your good luck... I believe that we are lost. ;-)
Great image... by the opportunism of the same one, by the quality with which it is appraised the spider and its prey, from an excellent sharpness and colorful.
It is necessary to mention also the correct frame and a perfect DOF, in addition to your notes and story.

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2004-11-17 8:17]

Ha, great title Gerhard :-). Amazing that you did not know that you had this beuatiful spider in front of you. A little bit soft but nevermind because it's easy to see what is going on and the capture is superb. Great work.

(I haven't had a chance to have a good look at that fly you sent me yet...but I don't think it's going to be easy!)

Wow! This is a definite "double take" shot! Looks like this Crab spider's literally sucking the brains out of this poor bee!Great, Great shot..I love it! Sure puts my drab overcast post to shame :-( I found your note telling. Isn't it neat when you pull-up shots on the PC to find these gems that you missed the 1st time around!

  • Great 
  • willie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1023 W: 61 N: 648] (2083)
  • [2004-11-17 10:11]

Gerhardt op sy beste.
Skitterende foto. Well Done Gerhardt

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1835 W: 301 N: 4287] (14767)
  • [2004-11-17 10:22]

Pure luck brings often great shots, Gerhard. This of it is the proof.
When I return to the house with my gathering of photographs and that I look them in my computer, I like to discover there details which I had not seen at the time of the catch. In your case, it is a large detail. :)

Chance or not, it is a great action capture.
Thanks.

  • Great 
  • japie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
  • [2004-11-18 10:16]

Looking at the thumbmail I thought it was a normal bee shot. WOW, now I see that it is a bee in the jaws of a spider shot! Trust spiderman to find this. This shot is stunning and going to my favourites.

Thanks for posting

Well, Gerhard, not bad at all for a lucky shot I have to say. What a way for the crab spider to camouflage itself on the yellow blossom - and talk about a bad luck day for the bee ... Good sharpness, well cropped, and nice use of DOF.

  • Great 
  • deud Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 438 W: 11 N: 534] (2540)
  • [2004-11-26 1:56]

wow! for the first look at this picture i have no see the spider! GREAT camouflage. excellent moment captured

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