These pictures (the two below) made the semi-final of the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award 2007

This Golden Orb spider had a big meal here. As the dragonfly (in this case an Australian Tiger Ictinogomphus australis) is a voracious carnivore itself she was very cautious. She would race in for a quick attack and inject the dragonfly from the back between the dragonfly's wings where the big jaws couldn't take a bite out of her. Then she would run off up the web and wait in the wings, as it were, for the venom to take effect. If the dragonfly struggled she would swoop in for another injection and a quick wrap of silk. After that there were long injections into the eye of the dragonfly - which turned purple in a short time.
Throughout the whole process a small fly rode on the back of the spider - probably the safest place to be.

Huntsman

Crab Spider

Green Ant Mimic Spider Amyciaea sp. with lunch

Golden Orb Spider builds a new web after downpour at the Buff pool - and here's one she finished earlier...

Golden Orb Spiders with their webs beside water their favoured spots.
There are at least 9 1n the left picture, can you spot them all?

Jumping spider - who's for lunch?

Spiney spider - boy this enamelled little fella wouldn't keep still.....

Jumping spider snack

a very skinny spider indeed

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