One Weird Spider - Image 1 of 3

My focus on the Spider is not the best in this shot but I thought I'd

start with this image. Last July I was out with my Tripod taking some

images of the flowers in the front garden, when I saw this odd

Spider. This blossom is only about 2 inches across. From this angle

the spider does not look that strange. It is the next 2 images where

you will see the odd 'appendages' that it has. I have an image I took

in 2009 of a larger but similar Spider. One person thought it was

a 'funnel spider'. The odd 'appendages' you will see in the next 2

shots will hopefully help in identifying it. It almost looks like it

has 'punching bags' in the front and other 'stuff'. It was thought these

were part of the reproductive process. I searched a bit tonight but

could not find a 'funnel spider' that looked much like it. Posting the

other 2 images next. Any help identifying would really be great.

Thanks so much, Gail :)

Excellent shot, Gail. Best regards.

Hi Gail,

  Wonderful image with beautiful color, background & details.  Take care, Patsy

Very interesting, Gail, lovely flower, in the National Geographic show, about the spiders, she must be there, I am scare to look, some are like monsters from another planet :) Hugs. 

WOW!!! Stunning, my friend, beautifully done!!

Dear Gail ... You have become a master of macro photos !! I really enjoy with your last updates ... IMO this one is the best !! A big hug 

excellent

many thanks for those encouraging words dear Ricardo!! When I first saw these images of this spider I never even considered posting them one day. Big Hugs to you also, wishing you well always, Gail

Sincere thanks for each of your comments. The encouragement is truly appreciated :) GAil

I have seen a few nature shows about spiders, I must look for the National Geographic one to see if I can find this one. I have never seen one full size.