As I was walking around the sunflower yesterday evening, making some pictures before the sun sets, I noticed a strangely positioned bee. When I looked closer, I realized that it is strangely positioned because it is dead and being held by a bright yellow crab spider. You can see it in the yesterday picture, if you look close enough.
So of course I had to go for a macro lens (the one I have built) and make a few close-up pictures. I tried my hand even at filming the fellow and it did not turn out all that bad considering that I do not have monopod (but I should buy one).
I have no idea what those little flies are doing there. Maybe they are insect equivalents of vultures? That spider must be strong and have quick venom to subdue a bee twice its size quick enough to keep a hold on it.
Video is bellow the fold.
©Charly, all rights reserved. Click for full size.
Charly those are fabulous photos! I saw the bee on yesterdays photo, but couldn’t work out what it was being held by, now I know :)
Also, the spider has to tolerate at least a to some extent the bee’s venom or the venom gland is well encapsulated enough so that the venom of the spider won’t break the walls of the gland and let it mix with the rest of the juices made from what’s inside the bee.
A fine set of pictures indeed.
Noooooobody expects a bright yellow spider!!
I love seeing nature in action like this! I do think the flies are there as vultures, though you never know -- a bright yellow spider like that just might have minions. You’ve captured the drama, Charly!
Wow. Some jaw-dropping pictures there. Love them thanks.