If my memory serves me right – I’ve only seen the male banana spider one other time in my life.  That’s why I was so excited and eager to climb through vines to get these photos.  It wasn’t my most prudent decision but in order to get the shot at the correct angle, I had to do it.  Science and the arts require it.  Yes, if you search Google images you’ll find photos but it’s not as fun.

 

Here’s the female spider.  She’s beautiful and a common sight in Texas.

Here’s the male spider on the same web.  Notice he’s smaller and not as showy as the female.

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Camera:  Big Bertha (Canon EOS 5D Mark II)
Lens:  My beloved 100 mm macro lens (Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L macro IS)