Aftermath of a drama
A green lynx spider with a bee; click for greater detail.
The last four posts have featured photographs showing stages in the development of jimsonweed, Datura wrightii. Just minutes into the October 24 photo session that led to those pictures (and many more), I came across the aftermath of a little drama* that had taken place on one of the jimsonweed flowers. I’d noticed that quite a few bees were attracted to those blossoms, and apparently a green lynx spider, Peucetia viridans, had noticed that attraction too and had lain in wait; here you see the result of that watchful waiting. As a bonus, though maybe an anticlimactic one, you get to see more details of a jimsonweed flower: its pistil and some of its flattened stamens that are curiously reminiscent of the bee’s wings that are temporarily near them.
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* This is the second little drama of this type I’ve presented so far, the first being on August 23 in a different color scheme, with the victim still struggling, but ultimately with the same fatal outcome as shown here.
© 2011 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
Holy Moley! I’m on my way to a Halloween party; it’s 10:45 pm here in Taipei, but when I have more time, I can’t wait to look through these up close and personal shots of flowers and bugs on flowers. Great idea, great camera, and great work!
Emily Clark
October 29, 2011 at 9:46 AM
And holey moley and happy Halloween to you. I didn’t know they celebrate that in Taiwan, but I guess a spider eating a bee is appropriately macabre for the occasion.
Thanks for your compliments on my work, which you can come back and browse further when you’ve recovered from your festivities.
Steve Schwartzman
October 29, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Fantastic!
montucky
October 29, 2011 at 9:35 PM
Thanks, Terry.
Steve Schwartzman
October 29, 2011 at 11:39 PM
That appears to be a non-native bee (Apis), so I’m pleased for the spider.
theosageplains
October 29, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Yes, I think you’re right that this is a European bee. I wondered why the bee wasn’t able to use its stinger on the spider; must have been caught by surprise and grabbed before it could act.
Steve Schwartzman
October 29, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Such a beautiful setting for such a deadly confrontation.
Journey Photographic
October 30, 2011 at 5:00 PM
Well put. That’s often the case, I’m afraid.
Steve Schwartzman
October 30, 2011 at 5:46 PM
Great catch… both of you! Still, I’m glad she wasn’t one of my girls!
‘-)
Lynda
pixilated2
November 1, 2011 at 9:29 AM
Thanks, Lynda, from both of us (I took the liberty of speaking for the spider).
Steve Schwartzman
November 1, 2011 at 9:49 AM
Cool!
melissabluefineart
November 1, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Thanks, Melissa. These things are going on around us all the time but we don’t usually see them.
Steve Schwartzman
November 1, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Oh my goodness what a great shot! I’d love to see an opportunity like this to photograph. Very nice!
Fergiemoto
November 10, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Thank you. Spending hours and hours in nature as I do, I sometimes come across things like this. I have to wonder what other nearby dramas I’ve missed.
Steve Schwartzman
November 10, 2011 at 11:03 AM