Spinning the cradle

Gil Wizen's Image

Gil discovered this spider under loose bark. Any disturbance might have caused the spider to abandon its project, so he took great care. ‘The action of the spinnerets reminded me of the movement of human fingers when weaving,’ Gil says.

These spiders are common in wetlands and temperate forests of eastern North America. More than 750 eggs have been recorded in a single sac. Fishing spiders carry their egg sacs with them until the eggs hatch and the spiderlings disperse.


Behind the lens

Gil Wizen

Gil Wizen

Israel / Canada

Gil is a naturalist and photographer with a love for small creatures. He has an MSc in zoology and entomology, specialising in animal behaviour, and aims to dispel concerns and misconceptions around arthropods. He is also a science communicator involved in educational programmes and displays using live arthropods. His work has been featured in many magazines, books, newspapers and broadcast media.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 7D
  • Laowa 100mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/100 sec at f10  •   ISO 200 Macro Twin Lite flash
  • Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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