I’m originally from New York, a place where bugs grow to a normal size and then die in the winter. Here in Florida, they have all year to grow and seemingly mutate into bigger, hairier, and all around creepier versions of normal bugs. Here’s an example that’s currently living under the grapefruit tree - the Crab-like Spiny Orb Weaver. What the what? Have you ever seen a spider with spikes?
Spikes or not, I’m happy he’s made the grapefruit tree his home. Apparantly citrus farmers love them because they eat fruit flies. They also eat wasps and mosquitos, both of which are much more bothersome than this little freak.
I was out in the yard last night and heard something in the woods nearby. My first reaction was to run but then I realized, I’m not in Florida. I don’t have to be afraid of alligators, monitor lizards, boa constrictors or freaky spiders. Such a relief!
Your spider is a cute little freak all the same. Enjoy him while he’s little.