St. Augustine: Spider Season at Anastasia State Park

August 1st we began our volunteer assignment at Anastasia State Park as 'camp hosts'.  Now each park operates differently so don't expect the job title to exactly match your impression of the job.  Regardless, each job is different which makes it fun and rewarding.  

Amazing spider web at the bathhouse

On this assignment camp host involves cleaning the bathhouse and campsites at the bare minimum; however, most volunteers give it their own twist and we enjoy trimming, removing invasive plants, and scouring the back woods for trash.  Not to mention wonderful bugs...

Giant Leopard Moth

Such as the giant leopard moth which is Florida's largest eastern tiger moth.  It is not often these are seen as giant leopard moths are nocturnal; however, occasionally, one is still hanging around 7 AM when I check the bathrooms. 

Perhaps a Argiope aurantia
(Black and Yellow Garden Spider)

Now, this summer we heard frequent questions about the spiders.  Mostly people asked
"Are they poison?"
"Will they bite?"

My answer from experience is a qualified, "No". I never recall being bitten by a spider but maybe I've been lucky.  So, with a plethora of spiders it was time to learn more.  At present there are about 39 species in Florida and 79 species in the continental US.  Now, I will do my best to identify from the photos.

This Spotted Orb Weaver loves the trash compacter

So each morning you wake up and walk out the door of your trailer into a spider web.  They are strung across the awning, the doorways, betwen near trees, and across the road at 18 feet high.  Just how do they manage this feat?

Golden Silk Orbweaver

The Golden Silk Orbweaver is a tropical spider that inhabits swamps and shady woods.  Yes, that is Anastasia State Park which is quite swampy this fall due to excess rainfall. I grew up calling this a Banana Spider because it resembles a banana. It is harmless or relatively harmless.  Though it is cousin to a rather aggressive Brazilian Banana Spider.

Golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes

According to the University of Florida, The golden silk spider is common in this area and one of the  largest orb-weaving spiders in the country. The female is 25 mm to 40 mm long and colorful while the males are about 4 mm to 6 mm long in a bland dark-brown.  These beautiful spiders (female) are commonly found in forests, along trails and at clearing edges.  Look for the male in the edge of the web.

Golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes

The Spotted Orb Weaver builds nests that are up to two fee in diameter and hunt mostly at night while sleeping during the day.  We found this one early on a cloudy morning.  She was hanging out at the trash compactor along with several Golden Silk Orbweavers.  Being a heavy mosquito day I for one was thankful to see the spiders.

Spotted Orb Weaver - (Neoscona crucifera)

Back to poisonous spiders with some information from Fresh From Florida.

In Florida we have only two main types of venomous spiders: widow spiders and recluse spiders.

Three species of widow spiders are native to Florida, and a fourth species has been introduced. No species of recluse spiders are native to Florida, but three species have been intercepted.

You may find these spiders in or under objects like boards, firewood, storage boxes. To avoid a bite wearing gloves is recommended.. Read the following article for more information and pictures
 http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Plant-Industry-Publications/Pest-Alerts/Pest-Alert-Venomous-Spiders-in-Florida

So enjoy these gifts from nature.