Love the scary lighting.

This gives me a much better look at its colors too. This appears to be Hogna carolinensis

Once again, thank you for the help with identifying the spider. Out of curiosity, do you know of an easy way to determine genus and species with spiders (ie: cheatsheet)? Or...do you know these by heart?

I know a lot of Families off the top of my head, but I do have resources for trickier finds (BugGuide is very helpful).

Identifying Genus and species is tricky sometimes, depending on the Family. A lot of spider genera and species look too similar and require examination of sexual organs under microscope to sort out.

Some are easier than others though, sometimes having obvious physical characteristics or confined to certain geographic locations.

Luckily, narrowing a spider down to the Family level isn't too hard and typically involves a good look at the eyes.

A good place to start is this article on spider eye arrangements: http://bugguide.net/node/view/84423

Oh wow, this one's well composed and shows off its face very clearly. Not a lot of spider pics do both.

*^^* Thanks. He's smiling, just for you!

I must say, appropriate title.

Next time you're down, I'll introduce you to him. *^^*

When I saw the thumbnail of this, I instantly thought "I must fave that!"

I adore the lighting. What a great face this fellow has.

HEhehe. Thanks! I'm really glad that you like it. *^^* Tried to do something interesting with the light...make him look even more...well, frightful than normal. Hehehe.

-skreem-

All he wants is a hug, though!

Oh hello Mr. Fuzzylegs :D