This resident could probably spend some time on housekeeping, but essentially has nothing more important to do but sit and wait, and wait, and wait. Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila clavipes)Paynes Prairie Preserve State ParkAlachua County, Florida, USAOlympus OM-D E-M5 Mark IIM.40-150mm F4.0-5.6 RPhil's 1stPix on 500px
There were HEAPS of these with their gorgeous golden webs strung across the path. I unfortunately (in my myopic state in the shade) walked straight into one and had the very irate owner determinedly making her way up my torso to give me her opinion. Proud of myself that I didn't squeal like a baby :)
This is the neotropical member of the Golden Silk Orb-weaver genus, also known as Giant Wood Spiders. Despite the size of the females, their bite is not of great concern.
There sure are some big spiders all along the Bear Swamp Trail, maybe the Forest Service should circulate a petition to change the name to the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver offshoot at Bear Swamp Trail.You could call it GSOWOBSTSSRAONF for short.Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila clavipes)Bear Swamp NatureTrailSalt Springs Recreation AreaOcala National ForestOlympus OM-D E-M5 Mark IIM.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R