Strange Natural Phenomenon

[Marc Martyn]

Today I saw one of the most fascinating phenomenons in nature. Dave Hall and I went over to Lenore to try some early fall fishing. While going up the lake on the west of the big island, I decided to seek out some shade along the rock cliffs on the west side of the island. As I was heading over there, I noticed a light brown material on the rock cliffs from the water line up to a height of about 15 feet. It first appeared to look like dried algae, similar to what you find on the shoreline rocks after the water level drops. As I got closer to the cliffs, I couldn't believe what I saw. The entire west side of the island was covered with spider webs! The brown substance that I thought was algae, appeared to be dried Damsel Fly nymphs! Millions of them, suspended and entrapped in the webs. Every couple of feet there were live spiders, big fat ones! In the photos, you are seeing the underside or belly of the spider on the inside of the web.

Keep in mind, this island is about six tenths of a mile long, with the west side having basalt rock cliffs running almost the entire length of the island. These webs covered most of the west side of the island.

If there are any entomologists out there, it would be interesting to know what these spiders are and if they are poisonous. They have a body like a black widow, but not the hour glass marking.

As far as I know, that island does not have a documented name, but from now on, I will refer to it as Spider Island!

[A9]

Big ol spiders there Marc!

Good to hear you are getting some fishing in. I'm stuck outta the game for a while, and unfortunately I can't answer any of your questions, but that is a wild occurrence you came across!

[Amx]

There is a guy on the other web site I am on all the time. I'll PM him a link to this thread. He is a 'bug' expert and has done work along those lines for years. He also lives in Spokane. His name is Scott.

[mav186]

Very interesting Marc...think I'll be staying in my boat from now on!

[BentRod]

That's really cool....but creepy.

In all my years fishing eastern Washington, I've never seen something like that....nor a spider with those markings that I can remember. Definitely something a bug dude would like. You might have something unique there.
Maybe you can get a segment on the Discovery channel.

[Sounguru]

Looks like common garden spiders they come with a lot of different markings. Nothing to worry about when they bite you. They say the limb falls off rather quickly so the pain goes away in a few days. :-)

[Amx]

Well, you're gonna have to wait. Scott is in Canada, will be home tomorrow.

"I'm in canada on my cell typing,ill check it out tuesday cheers, scott "

[Marc Martyn]

There is a guy on the other web site I am on all the time. I'll PM him a link to this thread. He is a 'bug' expert and has done work along those lines for years. He also lives in Spokane. His name is Scott.

Post his comments if he looks at it. Better yet, if he is not already a WL.com member, have him register and he can post his own comments.:thumright