Misumena vatia (Clerck, 1757) Discussion

goldenrod crab spider

Comments on September 17, 2003 Observation

Bev Wigney
45.1465, -75.6088
1    
Submitted: March 5, 2007 at 10:03:43 AM MST

Sighting Report:  --  Location:   City of Ottawa (formerly Osgoode Township), Carleton County, Ontario, Canada., Coordinates:  Osgoode  45.14651,  -75.60883., Date & Time: most of September  2003;  Habitat:  Rural farm garden., Predominant vegetation:  Rugosa roses, perennial flowers, lilac.,  Details:  In early September 2003, a large, yellow-pigmented spider was noticed guarding an eggcase inside a folded and sealed rugosa rose leaf.  It was photogaphed on Sept 17 after it had been on the leaf for a couple of weeks. It was photographed again on October 8, and was now very desiccated and looked to be nearing the end of its life.  A hard frost struck shortly after and the spider was not seen again.  Oddly, throughout much of the time that the spider watched over the egg case, an immature grasshopper sat on a nearby leaf (for at least 2 weeks).  Although in very close proximity, the grasshopper and the spider never bothered one another.

General vicinity of UTM: 18 T 0453830, 5003416 (WGS84)., Reference Photographs:  (3 photos)

Spider on Sept 17, 2003: http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/24047219, Spider on Oct. 8, 2003: http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/24047740, Grasshopper that sat on leaf near the spider:  http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/24047225. 

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