Macrophotograph of the spider Argiope bruennichi wrapping up its prey in silk. The spider spins a large orb web at ground level in grass and other veg

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Macrophotograph of the spider Argiope bruennichi wrapping up its prey in silk. The spider spins a large orb web at ground level in grass and other vegetation. When an insect, such as this grasshopper, becomes trapped in the web, the spider leaps out and envelops it in a tight- fitting sheath of silk. Once the insect is immobilised, the spider injects it with venom from its chelicerae. The venom not only paralyses the prey, but also begins the process of digestion.

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Size: 5050px × 3543px
Photo credit: © CLAUDE NURIDSANY & MARIE PERENNOU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, arachnida, argiope, bruennichi, invertebrates, nature, spider, spinneret, wildlife, zoology