A Conundrum.

[Trent Watts]

I saw this Ground Crab Spider tucked under a leaf with the caterpillar poking out. It made me think of all the times I hear people say they hate spiders and worms.

Conundrum: a confusing and difficult problem or question.
Ok.. so here are the questions: Do you hate spiders? Do you hate caterpillars? What happens when a hated spider eats a hated worm? Do two wrongs make a right?
Who knew spiders, along with their many other talents, were philosophers as well.

 

[Michael13]

I don't hate spiders, but I am cautious around them. If I find one in my home, I gently transport it outside. I once read somewhere that the average person eats half a dozen spiders over their lifetime, due to spiders crawling over their face while asleep. Learning that probably didn't help me to admire spiders more. But I don't hate them, I am fascinated by them!
I don't hate caterpillars either. For some reason, I get a warm and fuzzy reaction to them. They definitely are less scary than spiders, to me at least.
When one eats the other - well that's nature adapting to it's surroundings and the struggle to survive. We humans have it way easier and just go to the grocery store for our survival needs.

Another awesome macro image from you, thoughtfully composed and executed. You always set the bar high!

 

[AlanLichty]

I am not particularly fond of spiders but the number of them I encounter up here in the Pacific NW and the size they can get tells me there is plenty for them to eat and I don't think this is a Bad Thing(TM). I have to assume I would have lots more other insects around if not for them since the spiders are keeping the other populations in check. In this case I look no farther than the hole in the leaf in your frame which wasn't the work of the spider.

That said I do keep an eye out for which ones I encounter as I have seen more than a few black widows around.

 

[JimFox]

Count me as one who hates spiders.

I am not fond of worms, but I don't count caterpillars as worms. Maybe I am wrong?

So the Spider in this case wins the title of most hated.

Very nice job of finding this and capturing it Trent.

 

[Trent Watts]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and engaging comments. I really appreciate it.

 

[Beth]

neither one of them pays rent so they can both stay outside. great find though.