When a spider wants to make a long distance traverse between two objects, or just wants a quick way to ascend an obstacle, what can he do? Lets find out by watching a male crab spider.
![IMG_8397](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_8397.jpg)
Well, as in ballooning, the spider can jet out a thread of silk, letting it be carried by the wind.
![IMG_8400](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_8400.jpg)
The spider then turns and checks the tension on the web to see if it has snagged a target. In this case, there is no tension, so the spider reels in the thread. I am not sure if crab spiders consume the spent silk.
![IMG_8408](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_8408.jpg)
Another try, in another direction.
![IMG_8410](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_8410.jpg)
This time the tension is right, and the spider quickly disappears from the frame.
![IMG_8413](http://ibycter.mango.mikeboers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_8413.jpg)
And arrives safely at another, more lively flower.
Great sequence! (Dang! You missed the actual rappel! Has happened to me too…)
I know! I have one out of focus shot as he was leaving the frame, but it is a very rapid movement!