16th September |
High Heath.
Dull and cool. |
This is Tremella mesenterica growing on a crust fungus - Penophoria - on gorse. Specimen about 2 cm. across. |
Here's a better shot of the Buff Ermine moth caterpillar. |
An Eristalis pertinax meeting its fate. By the time I chanced on this scene the hoverfly had been 'sedated' and the spider was feeding before the wrapping-up started.
The seed in the background is Rosebay Willowherb. |
I watched as the male spider (lower part of picture) carefully approached the larger female. He managed to touch one of her legs with his, then he tried a second leg. The instant he made the second contact she lunged at him. He dropped off the web in a flash. Presumably the males are prepared for very quick exits. |
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