When Mating goes wrong

[Derek897]

A bit of a long winded tale,
I was in the garden brushing the dog and noticed that the garden spider that has been the focus of so many of my macro shots was hanging limply on a thread leading to the main web, as i watched a smaller spider traveled down the thread and jiggled a bit, and then bit the big one, then dropped off the thread before rising to the top again and repeating this for 5 or 6 times while I watched.
Camera was upstairs and i debated risking missing the action or grabbing the camera.
I went for the camera, the little spider kept at it.
It seems that the smaller male was trying to mate with the female but, it didnt quite go to plan.
These are some of the shots I took, all hand held, manual focus, ringflash, 105mm macro and 21mm tube and home made diffuser.
Worth viewing large, I think.

IMGP0002edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0003ed by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0010edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0014edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0018edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0020edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0024edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

IMGP0027edsm by dr.shutter, on Flickr

 

[Kodiak Qc]

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Cool series!

This, though, does not prove a failed mating but
illustrates a good snack on a not too careful lover!

 

[alfbranch]

Very nice Derek the last 3 really show his fate.

 

[GardenersHelper]

Good call going to get the camera! Fascinating series. Well done capturing those. I imagine some of the action may have been quite fast, making it tricky to keep them in focus.

 

[Norkie]

Excellent set

 

[ChrisA]

Great series - and an unlucky male!

 

[Derek897]

Cheers, I'll keep an eye on the female to see if he was successful before his demise

 

[Dave A]

Kind off reminds me of an old girlfriend very long ago Excellent series.

 

[Derek897]

Kind off reminds me of an old girlfriend very long ago Excellent series.