We have more than a few Western black widow spiders living in the yard. Their erratically woven webs betray their presence. Sometimes I catch glimpses of them like I did late yesterday afternoon, a female and a male. He was brown and roughly half her size. As is the case with most wild animals, they wished to be left alone and scuttled back into their homes when I got too close for their comfort. In addition to having intrinsic value, they prey on insects like cockroaches, mosquitoes and flies.

The original painting is available. Prints may be purchased by clicking on the image.

Happy Year-round Halloween…

—Robin Street-Morris