They grow 'em big up 'ere

[matt]

This thing's the size of a hand....spread wide:scared:

And it's only a few feet away from our back deck. It's set up camp between a tree in our back yard and the roof of our house.

I know it's harmless...but it's scaring the Mrs something shocking!!!!!:lol: She's concered it's gonna sneek in during the night when she's sleeping and do something horrible.

I'm not much of an arachnophile, but I think it's some flavour of orb weaver?

[astroturf]

That's a fine specimen, I don't see hubby anywhere, must have been eaten already
It seems that the bigger they are, the higher up they go

Bryan

[Ric]

Nice picture, sure looks like it's pantry is well stocked as well.

cheers

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

We have these and huntsmen too, mainly in the garage and rumpus room (under the house) and they seem to keep our place clean and tidy from other insects, such as cockroaches, so we let them stay!

We call it biological pest control!:whistle:

Cheers

Dennis

[matt]

Haven't seen any huntsmen around our place this year, Dennis. I used to see more of them down south, actually...but these weavers are everywhere over here...

They must be attracted to the Wynnum cappuccino and croissant lifestyle!:lol:

[[1ponders]]

Ah yess...there's nothing like the feeling of walking into the web of a golden orb spider in the middle of the night. :scared: The thing is the web is so strong that when you walk into it you know exactly what you've walked into. :scared: :rundog:

[Kevnool]

Your a brave man Matt.
I Hate spiders even the littlest,If i saw that thing i would probably still be running right now.
Spiders or Snakes, i say snakes.....cheers Kev.

[matt]

Funny you should say that, Paul.

I used a broom earlier to detach some of the threads from the house to the web...

I kid you not - the first 'tap' of the handle on the main thread just bounced like a violing bow on the strings!!!! Amazing stuff.

[matt]

I'm with you, Kev...

I'd rather be faced with a snake than a spider, if I had to make the choice. I've been keeping an eye on this one for weeks. It's been quietly going about its business and I've adopted a live-and-let live policy, much to the chagrin of my partner:lol:

However, it appears to be inching toward the house of late and I'm afraid I'll be forced to make a decision fairly soon which will be a sad one....for ol' spidey.

I don't want to...but something's gotta give and it ain't gonna be me:rofl:

[erick]

Gorgeous!

[[1ponders]]

Try this one Matt. It was taken by a friend in Caloundra
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1706

[matt]

Oh...sweeeeeeeeeeet Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!:scared::lol:

[firstlight]

Beautiful Golden Orb.... even if it has too many legs... I hate spiders, but they eat the mozzies (which I hate more).

[Kevnool]

That done me. :scared: .Now if ever i was at a QLD star party thats all i would concentrate on them spiders....
Cheers Kev.

[bkm2304]

It looks like a nephila genus which is a golden orb weaver.

[jjjnettie]

Very nice specimens!

Spiders and Snakes I don't mind at all.
But put me face to face with a caterpillar, especially the hairy sort, and :scared::screwy:

[Octane]

Matt and Paul,

Thanks for those. Now, I won't ever be able to sleep again.

Regards,
Humayun