Guardian of the Shed Door

  A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a beautiful Black and Yellow Garden Spider starting a web near the door of the shed.  This shed houses any number of gardening and mechanic tools so is used quite regularly.  The spider was determined that the shed door was hers and. even though, I tried to discourage her from spinning said web, it was made.  So I have had to work around her.  There was no way I was going to kill that lovely creature.  

  After the second or third time in one day of using the door, I had the brilliant idea of placing a long wooden slat against the wall near the door frame.  The spider immediately took a liking to that slat and, instead of attaching her web to the door, she did so to the slat.  This made life easier for both the spider and me.  Now, to enter the shed, I gently move the slat to one side.  My business in the shed can be accomplished without disturbing my friend.  She, on the other hand, has never actually seemed bothered that I was in "her" territory.  I figure there must be a mutual fascination between human and spider here.  Personally, I am glad to have her guarding the outbuilding door as she will be more than ready to devour any roaches, termites, ants or any other insects that decide to infest the place.

  Black and Yellow Garden Spiders belong to the orb weaver family.  They are so-called due to the large, circular webs that they spin.  "Orb" comes from the ancient astronomers' word for "concentric circles" and the webs are just that.  The "non-sticky" silk is used to make the radii and "sticky silk" is used for the spirals to create a beautiful web.  To most folks, however, the interesting part is the "writing" in the center.  This zigzagging effect has been credited with both being a warning for birds and larger critters that the web is there and with being an attractive lure to insects thinking it is a flower.  As a warning sign, larger critters are discouraged from ripping the web.  As a lure, nectar-seeking insects think they have hit the mother lode of goodies.  Then, there is the idea that neither of those are true and that the real purpose of the writing has yet to be discovered.  I guess it can be whatever the spider wishes it to be.  

  I know it won't be long before the lovely lady of the garden weaves her silken ball and lays her eggs.  Hopefully, the golden globe will survive the winter without being raided by the squirrels and next spring, hundreds of miniature replicas of the spider will inhabit the area.  In the meantime, she can stay where she is.  As long as she is there, I do not have to lock the shed door!