What kind of a SPIDER is this?

Question

It looked to me like it was holding something...but taking a closer look, that is actually a part of its back. What is this?

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/kohlendorf/DSCN0841.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/kohlendorf/DSCN0840.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/kohlendorf/DSCN0839.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/kohlendorf/DSCN0836.jpg

Answer 1

Hi!! It looks looks like a small spider with a moth tangled in its web. the small thing you thought was on the back is in fact the spider.

Have another longer look and you will see it plainer now.

I used to stand watching that kind of thing as a small child when front gardens had hedges.

  

Answer 2

That appears to be what is sometimes commonly called a bird dropping or bird poo spider.  Its abdomen looks like a bird dropping.  Yes it is an orb weaver.  However it is not the bird dropping spider found in Australia.  The 'accepted common name is the spiny bellied orb weaver.  Not all have spines as distinct as the one pictured at this site.

And some have yellows and greens too, especially on the rear.

http://www.mdc.mo.gov/nathis/arthopo/mos...

Answer 3

It's a member of the Orb weaving spider family, genus Micrathena. Sorry I'm unable to give you a species name. (Difficult to give an accurate I.D. from the pictures) Harmless to Humans and beneficial in that they prey on small insects.

Way cool spiders!

Edit: It could possibly be Micrathena mitrata or one of the Arrow shaped micrathenas.

Answer 4

Yeah, that's part of the spider's body.  It's a weird shape isn't it.  I think Spiderja is right.

Answer 5

can't see the spider, since the MOTH is blocking it.

Answer 6

It is a garden ord spider.  Check out the picture below.