Every year in September we have had a large banana spider set up residence in our flower bed in front of our house.
The first year it was a horror story. Her name was Shelob, and she was as big as my hand. Not that I held her or anything, but I think you get the picture.
Then in 2008, the spider was a bit smaller, a little easier for us to swallow. Well, not that we actually swallowed her, but….oh, you know what I mean. Her name was Spidey.
Last year, the spider was even smaller. I got some very creepy photos of her shedding her skin, and I would find myself involuntarily shuddering for weeks. Because it was so much smaller, we erroneously thought it was male, and called it He-lob.
This year, September came and went, and no spider. While I was never totally in love with our garden spiders, I sort of missed their presence a little (not really). The kids kept asking where our annual spider was (not really). We’ve all shed tears (not really).
So, I went to Wal-mart and bought this…
Her name is Matilda, and she’s my favorite spider yet! Mainly because she doesn’t breathe.
I like it. Good solution. Of course, now you have to worry that a real spider will crawl into Matilda and lay a few eggs. In the spring a gazillion Shelobs will hatch, running pel mel through your house. Insert all over body (((Shudder))) here. You’re welcome.
Arby´s last blog .."Where’s the Wreath?" – McDonald’s Edition
You guys lead a weird and creepy life!!! I intend to avoid your house in the fall months!!
Susan´s last blog ..Sweet little baby child…
We’ve had two banana spiders living on the inside of our back porch. They disappeared last week. I kept wondering if they were going to turn up inside our house!
you could have just bought some bananas in honor of them… just saying…
Toby´s last blog ..Your Eyes are Getting Very Heavy…
kool pics
I like the Tolkien reference. Shelob’s ancestor, (from “The Silmarillion”) was Ungoliant. That might be a more fitting name for the present large spider, especially if, as was suggested, spider eggs are laid within her and she brings forth a host of Shelobs. It’s just an idea, but I do think you’d like the story.
I’m always taking pictures of spiders out here. We have so many.
I love the stabilimentum!
Since you’re homeschoolers, you may want to check out:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Argiope_aurantia.html
~and~
http://home.att.net/~larvalbugrex/argiope.html
Ignore the links if you’ve already checked it out. LOL!
And your new one is creepier to me than the live ones. *shudder*
CrossView´s last blog ..Who Knew?
Your post remined me that I haven’t seen our banana spider this year. I think the chickens might have exterminated her. I hope your last spider doesn’t drop out of closets onto your face when you open the door. Just a thought…..
Twisted Sister´s last blog ..chicken dog, candyland, picklesnorts