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Now, I realize that when most people find a 'spider' around the house, the first thing that comes to mind usually entails finding something useful with which to 'kill it'; i.e., bug-spray, fly-swatter, the nearest shoe, etc. I admit, this was close to my first thought as well. Occasionally, beyond logic, we all have a moment (some call it a "great idea"), where we send our "common sense" on vacation. I know not one person who has NEVER said, "What was I thinking?!". My "curiousity" got the better of me (or "stupidity"-call it what you will...) & so I bring to you, the case in point... Rather than terminating the "houseguest" on the spot, I chose, instead, to go for my camera... Now, to explain the method to my madness: The pictures on this page are of a SPIDER now located in MY PANTRY. Looking closely, you can clearly see, the shape of which is VERY close to that of the much dreaded "BLACK WIDOW". Be that as it may, she has not yet reached her "full maturity". Thus far, I have been un-successful in finding another pic on the net showing this creature's exact markings. The reason finding this info is so important to me is this: counting this particular spider, there has been a total of 9 different 'intruders' since the middle of March (2003) -the others having met their own demise by way of vaccuum- cleaner or otherwise OR by being CAPTURED by MYSELF so I could take a closer look. (YES -- I KNOW -- I AM COMPLETELY CRAZY). But, this one from the pantry, being 'out of the way', gave me an idea. I wanted to make sure that everyone in the was aware of her presence & I showed them exactly where she is & remind them all the time, just in case. I certainly don't want any mishaps or 'suprise-encounters'. So, in essence, in order to learn more about spiders in general, I have decided to let JUST THIS ONE, mature to her 'adult phase'. This way I can study her habits & any color changes, etc. Hopefully this way, should she turn out to be the REAL DEAL, I will then know what I'm looking at in the future. AND I will be better able to inform others (especially my kids), that the name "BLACK WIDOW" is the 'name' of the SPIDER, not the description...the color doesn't ALWAYS apply. In all honesty, I know spiders are VERY helpful in keeping bugs under control, but I'll be the first to admit, I DO NOT have ANY interest in playing hostess to an ADULT BLACK WIDOW, particularily if she decides to raise young. So, that said...consider these photos a documentary of an eventually "doomed-spider". First hint of an egg-sac & SHE IS OUTTA HERE!! Experiment over... |
| The "HOUSEGUEST" |
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