Friends in My Garden- 47

Lynx Spiders

Let us meet friends from my garden once again. This time I will introduce Lynx spiders.

White lynx spider- Oxyopes shweta

Most species of lynx spiders do not use webs and they spend time hiding under leaves and waiting to ambush the prey. Most of them have large spiny bristles on their legs that may assist in confining the prey in their grasp.

Lynx spiders are very agile and have a small body of barely 1cm, with long legs. They have very good eyesight with 8 eyes! Generally they run away from predators. Though they rarely bite human beings, a bite can cause swellings on the body part.

All pictures are clicked in my garden.

Green lynx spider- Peucetia viridan

Orange-backed lynx spider (With prey)- Oxyopes kohaensis sp. nov.  

Orange lynx spider- Oxyopes sunandae

 

Smile of Earth- 2

Geranium

You may be surprised to learn that there are more than two hundred species of geraniums that range in size, shape and colour. The common geranium comes in shades of white, red and pink with many striking bi-colours, too! Its a gardener’s delight!

The genus name is derived from the Greek word géranos meaning ‘crane’. Its common English name ‘cranesbill’ comes from the shape of the fruit capsule.

Geranium, as a housewarming gift, represents friendship or wishes for good health. Americans view the geranium flower as a symbol of happiness and positive emotions. They are often presented at special occasions such as promotions and retirements.

Geranium oil is commonly used in aromatherapy for its many health benefits. Geranium tea is a soothing aromatic drink.