Camouflaged hunter
Category
Macro
Location
Frensham, Surrey, England.
Gear
Olympus EM1 MkII, OM System M.Zuiko ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO, Godox V860III Flash and Cygnustech Diffuser
Description
The Lichen Running Spider, Philodromus Margaritatus, is a very rare spider in the UK, it is very local and not widespread at all. I found this particular female spider in a surrounding of Pine trees, their favourite habitat, with a small prey fly in its mouth. I watched for a while as the Spider held the fly in this position for a long time before slowly devouring the helpless prey. The colours of the Lichen Running Spider are beautifully camouflaged to its surroundings and usually requires a bit of practice and perseverance to spot them as they sit flat against their backdrop blending in. This photo was captured by focus bracketing and combining 93 photos to give more detail and allowing both the spider and fly to be in focus. I love how well camouflaged these spiders are against the trees they live on and it does take practice to be able to spot one, in this case I spotted the fly before I spotted the spider.
Photographer
Adam Ferry
Social Media
Instagram: adam.ferry.photography
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