Orb-weaver Spider Web

Description:

The web shown here has been constructed by an Orb-weaver Spider. The spider can be seen sitting on the hub of its web, but is so very small that I just could not get a clear enougn picture for identification (the entire web is only 4 inches wide. So, you can see how small the spider is). There are two wrapped prey insects on the web. So, this indicates that this spider is not short of food. The slightly damaged areas on the web were probably caused by the short-lived, but violent struggle which takes place when the spider rushes out from the centre of its web to capture and kill the prey. A web which is well made and in a good position will help to ensure the spiders survival, but I find myself thinking in terms of "Is it neat and tidy or does it look rather scrappy?". I know that this is a very amateur and unscientific way of thinking, but just look at the web above. It was sparkling like a diamond, in the morning sunshine, when I took the photo. Who could deny that it is a thing of great beauty?

Habitat:

Spotted on a Banana Plant in our backyard.

Notes:

There are a great many websites which explain how to identify the family of a spider by the style of its web. I have just chosen one that I use occasionally.