Golden Orb with Suitors
Nephila plumipes with myriad tiny spiders in her web. They are not offspring; they are hidden well away from the web. Their 5mm size indicates they are probably males of the same species. In other words, this female has an abundant supply of suitors. This is fortunate for the species because the female also has a voracious appetite for suitors who make an advance with poor timing.
Golden Orb with Suitors
Nephila plumipes with myriad tiny spiders in her web. They are not offspring; they are hidden well away from the web. Their 5mm size indicates they are probably males of the same species. In other words, this female has an abundant supply of suitors. This is fortunate for the species because the female also has a voracious appetite for suitors who make an advance with poor timing.