Golden Orb Weaver

I know, another close up of a spider - hardly original. But I think

this spider is spectacular although I did get rather nervous getting

close enough for a picture. Please note - I said I thought the

SPIDER was spectacular, not the picture of the spider. The spider

was hanging down and away from me, so the angle was difficult,

especially with the lines running through the background.

I have a picture of this spider in my folder, too. I was proud of myself that I got the nerve to get so close to it because I definitely have a fear of spiders. But this one is so vividly marked and interesting you can't help yourself.

Oh, yeah. Saw one of these puppies in Panama. Huge orb, huge spider. I only wish the picture could show you just how big this bad boy is. I couldn't take a picture over the willies.