I'd like to introduce you to the Lynx spider. For many, this is as close as they want to get to any spider, but I assure you this is one to encourage in your garden. I've been observing their habits in my own garden for the last few years and they're fascinating. The average adult, toe to toe to toe, is the size of a quarter. This bright green spider will often take on an orange hue before it's ready to produce an egg sack. This is an observation rather than a scientific fact. As you can see, the Lynx in photo above, is indeed a female fitting this description. In the photo below, taken one week later, she's protecting her sack and has slimmed down a bit. Once born, the tiny baby's can almost be mistaken for aphids because of their unique green color. Their survival technique is tcunning. You won't find a web to catch prey. The lynx will simply sit atop one flower or plant and wait to pounce. In my garden their favorite place to hunt is on Zinnias and Roses. Unfortunately they don't appear to eat aphids. The good news is they catch all form of wasp, yellow jacket etc. Even the large black horse fly. Don't let this ambush style hunting method concern you. I've never been bitten nor leapt upon. They seem very perceptive when it comes to the difference between a human and a fly. However, like any creature, use caution and consult an offical spider guide for more information about bites.

Erin Cavalli

Moorpark, Ca