A species of spiders we often see here in Wisconsin is the Orbweaver (Araneus). Shown above is a Shamrock Orbweaver (Araneus trifolium). This species likes moist/wet meadows and other habitats, so they are often found in an area with dragonflies (Odonates), where it can eat its fill of insects. It rebuilds its vertical, spoked-wheel shaped web every day and typically sits upside down in the center, or hides in nearby foliage tethered by a single thread to its web.
Orb weavers are one of the three largest spider groups. They come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes, with a great variety of colorful patterns on their abdomens.
Common Green Darners
Common Green Darners (Anax junius) are among the largest dragonflies. They prefer still water habitats so you’ll often see them flying over small bodies of water and flyways. It is one of the first dragonflies to emerge in the spring and one of the last to migrate in the fall. It is carnivorous eating thousands of mosquitoes and other insects during its lifetime.
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