Taking some macro shots of this black widow we came across this odd tubule type of structure on it's under belly. My guess is oviduct... but perhaps someone can clarify?

Attachment 47139

It's in the correct spot to be the oviduct, but it's highly enlarged. Just mated, perhaps?

It's been captive since fall, so it hasn't mated recently. Very curious though! I wouldn't have expected it to be so large.

Perhaps some eggs are on the way?

A possibility, to be sure.

I can't view the picture. I would love to see it.

HH, it looks like your picture is no longer available to view. Can you repost it?

I can see it on my Kindle and pc. Hmmmmm.

The attachment seems to have disappeared for me too. Hauntinghelper, can you re-post?

Attachment 47145

Hmmm, yeah it did disappear didn't it. Hopefully I can get some better pictures of it soon. Here's the posted picture again...

I can't see it either, or still.

Attachment 47146

Thanks WG.

Kinda scary looking at that size. Where's odinn when ya need him???

Yep it is, I think he might be hiding.

That's a fantastic picture. You took that pic, HH?

Anyway....I have always referred to that as the epigynum. It does look bigger than usual but that may mean nothing. That could just be normal on that particular spider. Overall, they look similar from spider to spider within species but, just like humans, there are sometimes little differences from one to the next.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by parttime

Yep it is, I think he might be hiding.

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Hiding? Me? From a spider? No way.

I was hoping you'd like her, odinn.

Odinn - yes, I did take this shot. I got a new macro setup for my camera. I was trying to get a clear shot of the eyes but she wouldn't cooperate with me. When photographing this close the depth of field is extremely shallow. Very hard to photograph with a moving subject. I'm going to try and photograph her again when I have a better lighting setup.

Here's one that turned out pretty well. It's a stink bug... check out those red simple eyes! (I know I'm off subject now)

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Just to make sure everyone can see the pic:
Attachment 47156

It is pretty.