European garden spider (Araneus diadematus) 🕷️💕

Every year, an adult female garden spider builds her web in this preferred spot. The mating season begins at the beginning of August.

Sexually mature females secrete a substance whose smell attracts males.

However, the guys only notice the smell when they are up close. Therefore, the males themselves have to be good at finding and reaching promising places as well.

Garden spiders live for two years. Sexual maturity begins in the second year. The males die after mating, the females some time after laying their eggs (September-October).

Beautiful shiny hoverfly!✨🐝

I suspect it is a Melanostoma species. Pretty sure a male.

The distance between the eyes of hoverflies is always narrower in males than in females.👀

Their larvae eat aphids and the adults feed on flower nectar and pollen.🌺🌼🌸

📊 Around 48,000 animal species have been identified in Germany, including over 33,000 insect species. Insects make up around 70 percent of all animal species in Germany.

Molting of my Chilean fire tarantula (Grammostola rosea), last July. ✨

Under increased blood pressure, the tarantula begins to transport a molting hormone (hydroxylated ecdysone/ecdysterone) from the rear to the front of the body. This causes pressure to build up and the carapace (back shield) to burst open. This extends over the entire body, so that the tarantula can now gradually free itself from the old exoskeleton. This can sometimes take several hours and is therefore very exhausting for the tarantula, so that it remains lying on its back even after it has successfully moulted. In this state, the spider has not yet hardened and can therefore easily become a victim. That's why spiders create a somewhat safer place with silk threads beforehand. I've increased the speed of the video eight times because you all don't have as much patience as I do 🤪 and it makes the rhythmic movement sequences clearer.

Ecdysterone is a hormone that triggers moulting in molting animals (arthropods, tardigrades, nematodes, etc.). It is also found in plants to protect against plant pests. In mammals, it only occurs through ingestion or parasitic infestation. It also has an effect on mammals and influences lipid metabolism and protein biosynthesis. It is believed to have an anabolic effect on the muscles, which is why it is also used in competitive sports. It is believed to have no harmful effects because it is a natural part of our diet. 💪😋🥬

❄️🕸️❄️🕸️❄️

This morning the whole balcony was hung with white spider webs. It was very foggy at minus 5 degrees. A beautiful, enchanting sight that did not last long. The webs collapsed after a short time. These were the works of garden spiders (Araneus diadematus).🥰
I couldn't stand it for long either and I'm back in quickly! 😄☕

European garden spider,
Araneus diadematus
(09/2016 in Oberursel, Germany)

My furry friend, so grumpy and cute! 😄

Enjoy life! 🎊🤷‍♂️✨

That's my brand new family member (Heterometrus laoticus) as it kills a dubia roach.

Many excuses that at first glance seem like a request for forgiveness are actually so-called nonpologies.
It's often said:"I'm sorry."
So I apologize to myself. I get rid of the guilt without asking my counterpart: will you accept my apology? The authority to interpret the situation remains with me.

An apology is always appropriate if one would have been able to refrain from hurtful behavior. This should achieve reparation through appreciation. Properly apologizing is an expression of emotional and spiritual maturity.
Most empathetic people even ask for forgiveness when they can't help it. Out of compassion!

Each of us has done or received nonpologies.
However: Anyone who is not able to apologize at all is behaving toxic.
In a relationship this means nothing else than that one person bears all the burdens and the other has all the freedom.

Examples of nonpologies from toxic people:

"I've already said that I'm sorry."
(The subject is closed for you. Fine! What about me?)

"I'm sorry for everything I have done or will ever do!"
(Is this supposed to be a free ride ticket for acting like a jerk?)

"I'm sorry if I hurt you!"
(Really? If? - I just let you know THAT you hurt me!)

"I'm sorry that you feel that way."
(It's not about my feelings, for which I don't need pity, by the way, but about your behavior.)

You are worth being treated with respect. Surround yourself with people who are good for you.
Those who do not show responsibility for their actions will always continue to behave like this.

It's not difficult for me to forgive. Those who behave toxic have a severe handicap. It is important to accept that you are not the cause of their behaviour. That they are not good for you and that they have no place in your life if you want to be happy.

Examining its own exoskeleton
🕷️👻

Speech of a Sunflower 🎤🌻