Spiders and Snakes

This critter was on my patio recently.

It’s not a great photo and I didn’t want to get any closer than I needed to with a long lens. From what I can tell from this fuzzy shot and an online search, I think this is an orchard orb weaver. Not that it matters. I’m glad that spiders eat insects. In central Florida we have plenty for them to eat. But spiders? Kinda creepy if you ask me. And walking through a cobweb? Ick! As long as spiders stay away from me and don’t block my path with their webs, I leave them alone.

The other day while mowing the lawn I saw a black snake slithering in the grass a few feet away. [I don't carry a camera while doing yard work, so no photo.] It [I am forever grateful] quickly headed away from where I was cutting. I have seen brown striped snakes more often in my yard here. [Twice, when I let the grass get way too long I saw pieces of brown striped snakes when they didn't retreat from the blades quickly enough. Sorry about that.] I appreciate the role snakes play in nature. The snakes around here eat rodents and other small critters. They don’t bother people if we don’t bother them. And I try not to. Really. Because snakes? They totally creep me out. No matter how far away we stay from each other. If I can see them, I’m getting the willies. Even though that black snake probably left my yard immediately, I started imagining it was over there in the taller grass waiting for me. Or hiding in the shed where I would have to put the lawn mower. They are crafty little devils.