Now this is a BIG spider! (For Dooley's spider collection)

To paraphrase Mick Dundee from the movie Crocodile Dundee ... an Aussie character we all rather despise I must add, but anyhoo! ... to paraphrase ...

"You think that's a BIG spider, Dooley. Huh! THIS is a BIG spider!!!!"

This is the Golden Orb Weaver Spider ... Nephila pilipes ... and yes that's my hubbie's hand holding an A4 size sheet of paper.


Golden Orb Weaver Spider ( photo / image / picture from Bernieh's Garden )

This is the female. The poor males are tiny in comparison. These spiders are a fairly common sight here in north Queensland. The spectacular looking females can have a leg span of over 150mms and a body length of up to 42 mms.

Here's a closer shot, where she's eating a delicious snack.


Female Golden Orb Weaver Spider ( photo / image / picture from Bernieh's Garden )

So, who's dying to come and visit and get up close to our wildlife??

 

Hahaha....that is a whopper alright. I can testify to the wide range of creatures there in Oz.

I was camping in a place there and while getting the fire going, my travel partner was in the dunny. Then I heard a blood-curdling scream and the words, "Sjoerd, Sjjjoooeerrrrrrd......Come and help me ....NOW!
I bounded over to the little enclosure and she instructed me to just come in. It was small for one...but two?

Well, being a cozy kinda guy I opened the door, she was sitting there with eyes as big as saucers, just pointing upwards.

There on the wall sort of close to her head was an enormous gray, black and white spider. Yes, it was enormous....but just sitting still doing nothing.

I stepped in and she said..."No,no,no,no,no...don't come in, it'll spook it.
So, I stepped back out....."No,no,no...come back in here and get that thing away from me".

I suggested that she just come out, but no...the movement might cause the spider to spring upon her.

My partner was petrified and didn't want to move. I offered again to remove it....
But this brought another scream...and a "No, no, no, no........don't disturb it--don't make it move".

She didn't want to move and didn't want me to remove the spider.
I pointed out that it was getting dark now and inquired if she wanted to be in the dunny, in the dark....with Mr. Longlegs. I stepped back a step and stood with my head cocked, waiting for an answer.

She emitted yet another yell that vibrated my eardrums and then bolted from off the seat and through the door like someone being launched out of a canon. She came out, like in one leap, spinning me a bit as she bumped my shoulder on her traject.

It was quite a sight--she was making for the combi at a rate of knots....taking these tiny little steps.

I yelled after her to wait, and thoughtfully reminded her of her knicker's location. Once by the camper she wheeled round and hissed something that ended with ..."--off" and bent over while tugging her kit up, picked up the billie can and flung it my way, sending a couple of accompanying phrases for free.

I went over to her and helped get things straight and gave her a big hug and promised to eject the spider from it's home. I dabed the tears and asked if I should put the billie on for tea before taking care of the spider. She just looked up at me with such a looooook....
I won't say that "if looks could kill....", I would say that if looks could kill, enbalm, cremate and spread the ashes at sea", my future would have been sorted.

I headed off to the dunny.

Poor thing was shaking so terribly hard. I had no idea that she had a 'thing' with spiders.

Well, Bernieh--it is good that she did not see this character that you are showing today, she might have become a permanent structure on that campground.

Anyway--nice picture. What a beast, eh?

 

Oh great story, Sjoerd! I was laughing out loud! Fancy asking ... Should I put the billie on before dealing with the spider? How priceless!!! Ha! Yes I'm afraid most visitors find it hard dealing with the bigger than life wildlife we have in so many places around the country. I'm not a big fan of huge spiders, I have to say, but I can handle the smaller ones.

 

Eileen, although it looks quite horrid it's not harmful. I'm happy to leave them alone and let them get on with their thing. Luckily for me, they've never yet tried to get into the house. I do have to be careful where I walk outside though.

 

Sjoerd! that story is priceless. (I just hope she doesn't read it here. ) ROFL

 

I do not like spiders at all! But I'm not as scared of the big ones... at least you can see them and make your escape plans. But the little ones.... shivers.

Great story Sjoerd!

 

OOh creepers! I am the opposite Cheryl, I can handle the little spiders, but the big ones! Noooo!!!
Just look at the legs on that thing! Do they move fast? I know she is probably quite harmless, but looks so creepy
Sjoerd, thanks for the entertaining story

 

Kay, I've never seen her move very fast but she probably can. Even when we get right up close she just doesn't seem to care and is quite happy to stay where she is.

 

Great story Sjoerd and great pictures Bernieh but I would not be hanging around taking pictures with creepies that big!

 

Well thats good B, she is your garden friend. Does she eat pests? I suppose I could get used to having her around... but spiders are so very quiet... they have a way of surprising you

 

Chocolate, I don't have a problem getting close to take photos as long as the spider stays still. When they're darting to and fro, I'm not so laid back!

Kay, yes these spiders are great helpers when it comes to eating unwanted insects like flies. Apparently some have been known to eat small birds though. Not so keen about that.

 

Great spider pix Bernie. All spiders around here are left to themselves, unless my wife says "There's a SPIDER in here!!" The spider is encouraged to get into a glass for a trip to a new home.

Great story Sjoerd! I'll remember that one next time I need to tell a spider story.

Jerry

 

Sooo glad I clicked on this post - beautiful spidy pic and hilarious story from Sjoerd.

 

Thanks for the seed, Cuatro-gatos. I've decided to give one to Sjoerd's comment as well. I think it most certainly deserves some recognition.