There Can Be Only One

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:51 pm

... spider occupying a single flower, unless they are male and female come together for mating.

Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 12.06.2007 11:28:58
Shutter speed value 1/250 s
Aperture value f/11
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm

Bruce Williams · Post by **Bruce Williams** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:00 am

A clean, well exposed photo showing nice detail in those extraordinary front four legs. Your spider pic brought the following to mind:

I recently came across an interesting "spider tit-bit" that was new to me. Apparently spiders have muscles that can contract the seven segments of the legs but don't have muscles to expand them. In order to stretch a leg out they pump a fluid into the leg which forces the leg to straighten. When they contract the muscles in the leg, the fluid is allowed to flow back into the body. I'm guessing that a valve system of some type must be involved?

I can't remember my source otherwise I would quote it

. When you think how quickly some of them can move, it makes you realise what an efficient system this must be.

Thanks Nikola.

Bruce

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:38 am

Nice image Nikola, it suggests a "flat on your back" kind of shot beneath the flower.

As to Bruces comment, maybe that is why spiders always draw up their legs when you kill them, you've damaged the plumbing.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:11 pm

A very nice photo Nikola. Ken is the expert on "damage to spiders"

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 1:57 pm

Thanks guys.

That was very informative Bruce. Some kind of hydraulics must be involved.

Ken, I didn't perform "flat on my back" action. I've used my left hand and curved the flower to the ground.