Funnel-Web Spider
August 27, 2012
White Wolf Area
This rodent hole in some granite sand near White Wolf was nicely lined with a finely-woven web. Peering down into its recesses, at first, I could only see a deep, dark abyss. Getting down on my hands and knees, I could eventually see a looming shape inside. Funnel-web spiders (this one could have been Novalena intermedia) create broad sheet webs with deep, protected retreats and wait patiently for their unsuspecting insect prey to stumble into their appropriated lair.