The spider of the month is this tree velvet spider (Gandanameno sp.; family Eresidae), taken by Hannes Claassens in Witbank/eMalahleni.There are only five species in this genus, and they are only found in Southern Africa, specifically South Africa, Namibia, and Malawi. They are often found on and under tree bark, where they spin their sheet-like … Read more

The spider of the month is this lady beetle orb weaver (Paraplectana sp.) in the family Araneidae. Leonie Kellermann photographed this spider in a garden in Pietersburg during a course on macro photography. She used a point-and-shoot camera, but she hopes to soon purchase a DSLR camera with a macro lens. Other than that they … Read more

The spider of the month is this male buck spoor spider (Seothyra sp.) in the velvet spider family (Eresidae), taken by Hannes Claassens in Witbank, on a plot next to the Witbank Dam. His neighbour’s son found the spider in a sand pit and brought it to him because he is always seen taking photos … Read more