Though mist usually softens details in the landscape, sometimes it reveals that which is often hidden in plain sight. We might imagine a few spiders living in a wild area, but the actual number boggles the mind when one sees so much evidence of their creativity. The art work of countless spiders covers this bridge along the Salt Marsh Trail. Swarms of mosquitoes are often present around the bridges, so the plentiful food supply probably warrants the building of so many webs.
Webs are also found on grasses, trees and other plants. The tiny droplets of mist outline their delicate framework.
Webs made of an even finer filament cover the rocks that line the trail. Each cluster has a tiny hole where the spider can crawl beneath the rocks for shelter in the heat.
How can these spiders survive the tidal surges and flooding that are part of the marsh environment? It so happens that marsh spiders can survive in the water for up to 36 hours, which is about 12 hours longer than your average woodland spider. They can also shut down any bodily functions that require air for several hours, which means that even after ‘drowning,’ they are able to come back to life.
The spider shown at left was one of many I saw near the salt marsh behind Silver Sands Beach. It’s probably similar to those found along the Salt Marsh Trail.
The spiders found in Nova Scotia should be appreciated rather than feared. These artistic creatures provide a valuable service by consuming so many of the mosquitoes that actually pose a greater threat to our health.
For more on spiders, see Weaving Wisdom into Nature.
Spider webs are so shimmery and lovely, especially when the light illuminates them. I had to peer closely to see the webs in the sand. It is fascinating to contemplate how many webs surround us, so much of the time, and we’re not really aware of them. Yesterday (or the day before?) I had a spider run helter-smelter across me while I sat reading on the couch. It was medium-size and I don’t know what kind…
Kathy, I love how the webs shimmer in the light too. The combination of water, light and web work is such a marvel to behold. It is funny how they stagger about when they’re running.
A spider in the house is good for keeping mosquitoes and other small flying insects under control. We always let them be. However, I’ve never had one try to snuggle up to me while I was reading before. Michigan spiders must be friendlier and more literate than the Nova Scotian variety.
Love the misty dawn photos – they make me feel as if I, too, had gotten up early enough to see shimmering webs.
So glad to be able to share shimmering webs with you Gerry
Beautiful, beautiful photos today, Amy. Especially the first two….looks like someone draped old, handmade lace across the fence and rocks. The misty shoreline looks like a good place to have a morning cup of tea and a bit of meditation.
Cindy, what a wonderful way to describe the webs on the rocks. It would indeed be a great place to have a morning cup of tea but I might have to wait for the Autumn for that. Those mosquitoes are still so pesty, even to stop and take a photograph draws swarms of them to me.
Previous commenters have such lyrical ways of reacting to this post! The spider webs really are beautiful, and I appreciate the fact that they like to eat my nemeses (mosquitos. The only webs I notice these days are the ones that form around my front porch light.
I agree Joan. Very lyrical. The mosquitoes keep persisting here. They’re usually not such a nuisance by late summer as they have been this year.
My husband has always been intrigued by spiders – me, not so much. I do find the intricacies of their webs beautiful and interesting. I loved reading the “facts” about these spiders.
“They can shut down any bodily functions that require air for several hours, which means that even after ‘drowning,’ they are able to come back to life.”
Now that’s what I call a neat trick.
I love that you’re out there noticing these things and bringing them to us.
Bella, there is so much out in the marsh that is a wonder to behold and learn about. It’s such a privilege to be able to share my discoveries with you.
To put it simple. I enjoyed the photos.
Thank you Steve.
I haven’t taken any photos of the red squirrels in the marsh yet, though they are present. They’ve been pelleting us with pinecones recently as we walk along the trail.
Gorgeous webs – clever beings!
Dawn, it’s amazing how clever such tiny creatures can be.
Great pictures!
Thanks Ben. The spiders were in a creative mode. I just happened to have my camera