W is for (warning) Web Weaver

This is a web weaving spider, also known as orb spiders, another name is wheel weaving spiders.   Their scientific name is Argiopes.   Their frequently called  St. Andrew's Cross.  There is a look of a cross, if you are patient and don't disturb the weaver.   I found this spider on my deck, last summer; I was intrigued, when I saw her weaving a zig zag into her web.   A crafty spider, nature truly has many unique creatures!   The zig zag is suggested to:
  • They stabilize the web
  • They warn larger animals in the same way that safety strips on glass doors warn people from walking into them. Thus the web is protected from damage by flying birds.
  • Research has shown that the silk in the center reflects ultraviolet well, unlike the silk used in the rest of the web. Thus, the designs may mimic flowers, which also reflect ultraviolet light well, and often have lines to guide insects to honey like airport lights do for airplanes. Instead, the insects are guided to the spider which sits in the center.  (*info from St. Andrew's Cross site)    


I feel like the web weaving spider; I  zig zag my way through blogs, trying to leave my mark, a comment(not a X) I hope that you will visit me  and do the same.   I promise I won't capture you or let your linger too long.  I have noticed during the A-Z blogging challenge and blogging, how all of us are  weaving webs, sharing crafts, stories, poems, ideas, information,  insight into our lives and  friendship!

I found this the other day on a blog;   Sally when I saw this I didn't think you would mind if i used it here.
It's a powerful message.   I had W planned for weeks; I'm good til we get to X, tomorrow!

Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
~Chief Seattle, 1855

I feel so fortunate to feel connected, to so many of you~ 

 * Note in comments this is what B. Miller had to say:
Here in the South we call those guys "banana spiders" or "writing spiders" - so fitting that you'd put one on your writing blog! ;)

Comments

Survivormama said…
Awww, I feel exactly the same way! I have connected my web with so many others I am eternally changed because of this Challenge and I have Arlee to thank for it! Love this post, awesome!
Arlee Bird said…
Ellie and Shannon I have you and others to thank for making it work.
Ellie, that was such a interesting post and so cool how you wove it into the web of the Challenge. I've never heard of that spider or type of web before. We are all learning so much!
Make sure you check my post today for the 2 upcoming May events. Hope you'll join us.

Lee
May 3rd A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post
Anonymous said…
Isn't just amazing how these little, and often frightening, animals weave such intricate pieces of natural art? I love to see webs specially when they gather dew. Lovely.
The "Web" is like a family, over the past month a little bit new emerges about us.
I look forward to the next event,

Yvonne,
Fifi Flowers said…
GORGEOUS web and spider... they are amazing creatures!
Raquel Byrnes said…
What a great sentiment. It really has been a pleasure to visit blogs I probably would never have found otherwise.
We get those around our house. Cool spider. They also don't come into the house, which is a good thing in my book. Of course, they'd be okay if they did come in - I catch and release all but the roaches.
B. Miller said…
Excellent post and what a beautiful arachnid friend! Here in the South we call those guys "banana spiders" or "writing spiders" - so fitting that you'd put one on your writing blog! ;)

Thanks for sharing!
Lisa said…
The spider is actually quite beautiful, but doesn't make me like it any more! :) Great info about the web. What thoughtful words to express what this challenge has meant to you. I've been blessed to "meet" you here, that's for sure!

Have a great rest of the day!
I've found my family. That's how I feel. We as humans share more of a commonality than all the petty differences combined. Loved that quote and visiting here with you.
The webs of spiders spark my memory with the origin of the Dreamcatcher :

An old grandmother saw a spider nearby her sleeping spot. She had watched the spider for days while he spun his web.

Her grandson entered one day and saw the spider. He picked up a rock and was going to crush it, but the grandmother stopped him. He asked her why. But the grandmother just smiled.

After the boy left, the spider spoke to the grandmother who had been watching him spin his web for days and to thank her for saving his life he would give her a gift. He showed her how to spin a web. He said the web would snare all the bad dreams and only the good dreams would come through to be remembered. The bad would become entangled in the web.

And so the Dreamcatcher was born. Roland
Unknown said…
like the new look but love the bee house thing you made at the top. The juxtipication (ist that a word) between you and a spider is great, you must have taken a lot of literature and writing courses LOL
I will email you this week. Did you take the spider picture?
Lisa
Hart Johnson said…
I love the connection you've made to the blogging on this one! It IS nice when people make their mark, isn't it? And I love the Chief Seattle quote--I miss the Pacific Northwest--I lived in Oregon for years--and that sort of sums it up. Other places in the US people have less awareness of only being a PART of the bigger picture. Out there, with the mountains, ocears (volcanos) it is impossible for the human to not recognize we aren't the biggest thing going.
Ella said…
Hart-I drove through Oregon, it was one of the most beautiful places, I wanted to move there!
I agree, I saw that kind of humanity in Oregon and Alaska. Thanks! I know Chief Seattle knew what he was talking about!

Lisa-Thanks, I will bring the bee back or perhaps make something new! I did take the spider pic, last summer on our deck. I only took courses in college, long time ago and
one writing course 9yrs ago, that was canceled in a week. The author could write, but not teach. He wasn't thrilled by what I wrote. It was called "A Murder of Crows"
Thank-you~

Roland-Thanks you that was wonderful, so glad you shared this! I do remember hearing this before, but it was a while ago! I am thrilled you posted it, here!!!

Debra-Thank you; it really does make you think! You are so right, about the petty differences being minor in the scheme of it all!

Lisa-it has been fun meeting you, too! I still hope after the challenge, we stay in touch! Thanks~

B Miller-Thanks so much for sharing this! I think it wasn't long after I started my blog, almost a year ago, that I saw this spider's creation on my deck. I couldn't help, but take a pic, intriguing and unique web work.

Alex-I catch and release a lot of bugs, even a few tree frogs. It is rarely dull at my house!

Raquel-I feel the exact same way! Thanks for visiting me!

Fifi-Thanks, for coming to visit; I will visit you soon!

Yvonne-I always look forward to your next poem!

Berlin D-me, too! I love to see the dew drops glisten like diamonds in the sunlight!

Lee-I so agree, a lot of interesting, diverse topics, it has been a pleasure to be part of this!

Shannon-I have also, it is such an unique experience and a great way to meet new people!
angelarene said…
Loved the Chief Seattle quote. Great post!