Here are a few recent photos taken in central Iowa near a pond.  The spider turned out pretty well considering it was already dark by the time the photo was taken which made it especially creepy to be so close to.  I would guess it was half-dollar size.  Though I had hoped to get a top shot, I wasn’t about to stick my face in between the web and a barn about a foot away.  I am sure it will be bigger in a few months once it snags one of the kittens running about.  This colorful moth nearly outshined the Monarchs that were nearby.  I don’t yet know the species, but the patterns on the wings are amazing.

Spider Moth of Iowa

Dragonfly