Female Orb Spider.....

[kevinj]

And a very brave suitor.

[Pete]

They usually get eaten after inseminating the Female.....They reach out with one of their front legs to touch a certain joint on the Female and after that's successful she quickly turns on him....Interesting to watch. Very nice shot.

[Grumpy John]

Great image Kevin, is it a backyard shot? Obviously size doesn't matter to spiders

[kevinj]

Thanks,taken in the garden of a nearby Medical centre,there was around 12-15 webs with females in and around the trees.

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Stephen

Your orb spider appears to be our world-famous Nephila spider, also known as the Golden Orb spider from the colour of the web threads
The small male always stays on the other side of the web to her until he needs to 'do the deed'

Q- have you had a chance to do any good closeups?
Phil

[kevinj]

Can`t get close due to a fence unfortunately.