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Argyrodes sp.
Argyrodes spiders are kleptoparasitic. They live in the outer edges of other spiders' webs and move in to steal prey when the coast is clear. Apparently the method of at least one species (Argyrodes nephilae) is to attach a line of silk then cut the wrapped prey out of the host web. The bundle swings free and can be taken to the outskirts of the main web to be eaten in relative safety. (information from BugGuide)
Living in the web of a female black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia). In the final image you can see the female dewdrop spider stealing food right from the Argiope's mouthparts! (and the male is close by, also ducking in to steal a bite now and then)
I have only observed this species one other time and it was before my days of macrophotography. I currently have this specimen on BugGuide, attempting to narrow down the ID to species level.
5 Comments
fascinating indeed.
Updated with 3 new photos (the last 3). The final image shows the female dewdrop spider sneaking in to steal food right from the Argiope's mouthparts. How daring! (and lazy!) ;-)
I checked this web again and this female dewdrop spider has not one but two suitors. Hopefully my photos are decent. It's pretty windy today.
masterpiece!!
It's hard work being a spider ... great photos and notes.