Amazing giant Golden Orb-web Spiders

  In addition to the caterpillars and insects, spiders are also common summer residents  in Hong Kong.  The most amazing spider to me is the giant Golden Orb-web Spider which is famous for its ability to weave huge webs. 

Its name refers to the colour of the spider silk, not the colour of the spider itself.

The yellow threads of their web shine like gold in sunlight.

The contrast of black and yellow colours of the body is to warn and repel potential predators. 

The Golden Orb-web Spiders eat a variety of preys from small beetles, bees, 

butterflies,  

to cicadas and even small birds. 

    In spite of its size and scary appearance, the venom of the Golden Orb-web Spider is not lethal to humans, though the bite may cause local pain that normally disappears within 24 hours.

Scary Caterpillars

I saw two caterpillars the other day and thought they looked more like snakes them caterpillars！ 

Their “big eyes” were very scary and no wonder the birds wouldn’t go anywhere near them!

Colourful Bugs

I never paid  much attention to the bugs in Hong Kong until recently when I saw these beautiful little things on a Tea Tree.  

It is called Tea Seed Bug (or Tea Shield Bug). The mature bug is very colourful at about 16-10mm long and 10-14mm wide. 

It feeds on Tea Seeds, therefore it is a pest. 

The multiple eggs are usually laid on the back of the leaves. 

The young bugs are also bright coloured. 

These Red Stink Bugs look very pretty too. 

The male is usually smaller than the female. 

Unlike the Tea Seed bug, the Red Stink Bug feeds on small insects and flies.