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Nature Notes: Fins and Fangs

Fangs

Anyone getting an influx of spiders? We had a 'spider-pocalypse' with my husband luckily discovering dozens of newly emerging huntsman hatchlings right on lights out (say that 10 times!). They were safely relocated outside. Well, most of them were, the rest scurried off to be found in various places around the house over the next few days. 

But now is the perfect time to go out after dark and look for Net-Casting Spiders. These amazing spiders – also known as Ogre-Faced Spiders because, well, look at them – knit a net of silk that they use to throw over unsuspecting prey. You can spot them knitting away around 9pm on warm nights, usually near foliage.

Net-Casting Spider. Photo: Amanda De George

If you prefer your spiders on the smaller, prettier side, look under leaves for the very lovely Mirror Spiders. There's a few different species found around the Illawarra, but they all look like sparkling mirror balls.

Mirror Spider. Photo: Amanda De George

Fins

There's been loads of dolphin sightings this week. City Beach in Wollongong is always pretty reliable for spotting a fin for two and ABC Illawarra shared Justin Huntsdale's incredible photo of a large pod surfing the waves there. 

Let us know your favourite dolphin watching spot.

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