Another Koch's, but different black markings on its abdomen?
After having a bite from a cat-faced hurt for a few days, I was hesitant about handling this one for better photos.
I hesitated uploading this one because the eyes are not in good focus, and this is before I figured out how to take ventral photos. But I haven't had a similar one visit me in the house since.
What a gorgeous spider. Another house visitor.
I was planning to upload only one observation per species on our property, but I hadn't realized how dramatically coloration and pattern can vary for some. I've already uploaded a plain buff cat-faced and a mixed white and dark brown one. I've read that orbweavers can change from lighter to darker in winter, and also develop certain colors depending on their habitat. But the three very different color variations I have encountered -- they were all in the same area of our yard, and all in September of last year.
In the house. My favorite kind of spider -- it holds still for photos.
VENTRAL photo: what is the white stuff (kind of crown shaped) at the top of the abdomen?
Tiny, see Q-tip for size. Too delicate to maneuver onto my mm tape and to turn upside down.
In the house. My guess, so don't blame AI.
I've read that a raceme can have up to 20 flowers but in Spokane Valley I get excited when I see more than 3 flowers on a stem. It seems to grow best down inside ditches along old roads (now paths) where it can get some extra moisture.
A native, the common name I learned first was Bluebells of Scotland.
Ten people with 14 dogs on the wetland trail. All dogs taken off leash after beyond the trailhead security camera.
Many of the ponderosa pines in my 50 year-old neighborhood have wounds oozing sap. But I have yet to see any larva, so don't know which borer species are doing the most damage.
Drops in ventral photo is water. (I forgot to dry the sink bowl.) But it clearly shows "something" that has to do with genitalia, although I haven't a clue what it is.
This guy/gal was fast! If I hadn't been chasing it down the empty hallway, it would have found a place to hide.
AI's guess. In the dining room.