Lesson on Predator -v- Prey in a Calendula Blossom
2009 July 16
I was harvesting calendula blossoms when I came across this little dead honeybee. I thought to myself, “oh, poor little thing.” As I took a closer look I saw a perfectly camouflaged yellow spider having his late morning meal a la honeybee. Do you see the spider at the head of the honeybee? You might have to click on the photo to get a closer look.
I’m ashamed to say that I am one of those people that have “arachnophobia,” but I try sooooo hard to overcome the creepy feelings I get from spiders; so I looked closer instead of flinging the spider across the herb garden. This spider and honeybee were the perfect definition of predator and prey. I can just imagine how the scenario went down…..perfectly camouflaged spider patiently waiting, honeybee comes along for nectar, doesn’t see the yellow spider and POUNCE, the spider ambushes the bee. Sad for the honeybee but victory for the spider. I showed this to the Little Ladies, not sure how “Sensitive Fauna” would feel about it. She just looked at the flower and said, “yep, that’s how nature and life work Mommy,” then went on her merry way cycling down the driveway. What surprising wisdom she had at that moment!
I hope this guy is paying attention; I did, however, whisper a warning in his ear!
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