Book Review - Widow Spiders of the World - Owlfly Publishing

 

     Chris Alice Kratzer has done it again! Following on the heels of her vaunted works on social wasps, and cicadas, Kratzer has proven anew that she is the champion of the underdog, the under-appreciated, the misunderstood, the ofttimes despised members of the great and glorious world of nature.

     Learn about widow spiders in a way that you have never done before and come away with admiration and respect for these maligned creatures.

     The format of the book is paradigmatic Kratzer, her style immediately recognizable, and the standard of excellence she sets is second to none. 

     The book begins with an impressive overview of widow spiders and their role in a healthy, fully-functioning ecosystem, written with scientific precision yet laced with snippets of wry humour to make even the most straight-laced arachnologist crack a smile.

     If ever a book was aimed at both the specialist and the layman this is it.

     Perhaps, like me, you have marvelled at the precision and the quality of the artwork; lucky for us Kratzer dedicates a section to explaining in detail how it is done. Further to reading the book I even found a You Tube video where she goes through it step by step.

     You will learn about the internal anatomy of these creatures, their external anatomy, food, web building, reproduction, their potential for alleviating human suffering as scientists unlock secrets of potential pharmacology, and sadly, the threats we humans pose to them.

     The comprehensive glossary is organized in the most pleasing and practical manner. Rather than an alphabetic list of all the terms it is subdivided by topic - General Terms, Ecological Terms, Anatomical Terms - and so on. The extensive bibliography is organized in similar fashion so that the reader can quickly zero in on the topic of interest - What Are Widow Spiders, Why Spiders Bite, General First Aid for Spider Bites, Antivenom - and so it goes.

     I am an unabashed fan of Chris Alice Kratzer and appreciate her books immensely. I think that barely a day went by this summer when I did not refer to The Social Wasps of North America. Success breeds on success, excellence follows excellence.

     There are other unsung heroes of the living world waiting for her special treatment - Gastropods, Orthoptera, Hemiptera......just sayin'!

     Widow Spiders of the World merits my unconditional, wholehearted, sincere seal of approval. Be sure to get your copy today!

Widow Spiders of the World - Owlfly Publishing

Chris Alice Kratzer

Paperback - 176 pages - 250 full colour illustrations - 43 full colour plates - ISBN 9781737892755

6 x 9 inches (15 x 22.5 cm)

Publishing date: 31 October, 2026

 

West Perth Wetlands, Mitchell, ON

27 October, 2026

     On a fine autumn day Lisa joined me for a morning's birding and we decided to go to the West Perth Wetlands, lured in part by reports of a Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), a rarity here in southern Ontario. I have seen many of them in regions much farther south but only one previously in this area.

     In the first pond large numbers of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were present, but there was little else.

     There were a couple of high spots above the water, but mostly there was insufficient dry ground for many species.

     We did spot a couple of small groups of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos), however. 

     Moving on to the next pond in this wetland complex we were delighted to see a few Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis), North America's smallest dabbling duck, and a very handsome little character.

     Spurred on by our quest for the ibis, we hastened over to a large pond, where a couple of birders already present signalled to us that they had found the bird. It didn't take long for us to locate it but it was on the far side of the lagoon and only clearly visible through Lisa's scope. It was outside my camera range, but by digiscoping with her phone Lisa managed to get a very acceptable picture.

     The feeding must have been good for many Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) were cruising in, filling the air with raucous cries as they descended to the water to take advantage of the seemingly plentiful food at the surface.

     Knapweed (genus Centaurea) was still blooming prolifically and provided sweet nectar to abundant Common Drone Flies (Eristalis tenax).

     I don't think there was a moment when Clouded Sulphurs (Colias philodice) weren't flitting hither and yon, and occasionally alighting briefly.

     A Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) was an agreeable addition to our day.

     It was great to see a substantial Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) residence; a safe, warm haven for the cold months ahead.

     Most of the neoptropical warblers that spend their breeding season here have already departed. Myrtle Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is customarily the first species to arrive and the last to depart.

     Over many years, West Perth Wetlands has hosted Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) in fall migration; this year was no exception.

     For the most part they were well camouflaged, but one obliging individual moved into the open.

     Spruce (genus Picea) have had a good mast year.

     Several noisy American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) kept us company.

     It is always a pleasure to interact with these highly intelligent birds.

     Small White (Pieris rapae) was not nearly so numerous as their Clouded Sulphur cousins. Occasionally one landed and remained stationary long enough for a picture. 

     Even a few Red-legged Grasshoppers (Melanoplus femurrubrum) were exploding beneath our feet.

     Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is just about at the end of its blooming period for another year - but you may rest assured it will return with increased vigour in the spring.

     What a scintillating morning Lisa and I spent together in our more than human world. 

 

Recent Highlights

22 October, 2026 

Huron Natural Area, Kitchener, ON

      Given the unusually warm fall, asters are blooming in profusion even in late October.

      This stand of Frost Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum) caught my attention and admiration.

     American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is surely as adorable a little rodent as one might imagine.

     If rats looked as cute we would love them all!

    Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocpous pileatus) is not a bird I see often, so any encounter is exciting. This is not an especially good picture, but it is all I was able to manage.

24 October, 2026

Huron Natural Area, Kitchener, ON

    Huron Natural Area is an park I do not know well, and I am trying to become familiar with it. Hence my reason for visiting again just two days later.

     Autumn Meadowhawks (Sympetrum vicinum) were present in large numbers. I don't know how many I saw but it was certainly scores.

     Everywhere I looked Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) was dispersing its seeds on the wind.

     Is there anything quite as peaceful as a pair of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) dabbling in a pool?

     I have seen remarkably few fungi this fall, so a couple of Shaggy Manes (Coprinus comatus) was very agreeable.

25 October, 2026

RIM Park, Waterloo, ON

     A noisy flock of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were feasting on a bumper crop of Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was happy to join them.

     We were immensely excited to discover a new species for us. May I present the bewitching Narrow-winged Tree Cricket (Oecanthus niveus)?

     No family of trees is more associated with Canada  than maples, and they are very dear to my heart. In the fall the colour of their leaves is legendary, and it was uplifting to see this gorgeous Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) at the end of our walk.

     Long live Canada. Vive le Canada.

     The true north strong and free. 

Rachel Rocks

     Recently, our good friends Graham and Marg Macdonald were visited by their sister-in-law from the UK and we were happy to join them on a stroll along the Mill Race in St. Jacobs.

     The birds were cooperating and Rachel proved to be a bird whisperer of the highest order.

     A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) made its presence known with a loud greeting, and was quickly spotted.

     In a mere moment, it landed on Rachel's hand to take advantage of the sunflower heart buffet. 

     I am quite sure that this feast is equivalent to Lobster Thermidor and Baked Alaska rolled into one for a nuthatch!

     Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) were not going to let the feast pass without gleaning their share and they, too, swooped onto Rachel's outstretched hand.

     What joy!

     When I take people along the Mill Race I always tell them that I can pretty much assure them a chickadee on the hand, with a good chance of a nuthatch, too. To complete the trifecta, however, a friendly, confident Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is needed, and that's far from assured.

     

     This male, however, took one glance at Rachel's hand, and glided down in an instant.

     Her first visit to The Mill Race and she had a perfect score!

     A few curious Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) came to see what was going on, hoping no doubt for a little cracked corn, but I had none with me.

     American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a dapper little fellow, but argumentative and pugnacious, backing down from no one. We were certainly glad to see him, however.

     American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were ubiquitous, attracted by a super abundant berry crop and dense stands of Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).

     Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) were drawn to the same rich pickings.

     At the end of our walk we enjoyed coffee and scones at the Eco Café.

     It is a safe assumption that the denizens of the Mill Race were abuzz with excitement following Rachel's visit - chickadees chattering, nuthatches nattering, woodpeckers whooping, ducks quacking and waxwings whistling.

     Rachel Carson believed that every person has to respectfully repay an eternal debt to nature; safe to say that another Rachel did that today.

  

Nature is Exciting and Wonderful

     "Nature is our prayer and our celebration, our sacrament and our unkempt affection, our most single-minded examinations and our most wide-open wandering gaze."

Thmoas Lowe Fleischner

     Forays into nature are part of my daily experience, so here are a few glimpses into what I have been seeing lately, in no order, without regard to taxonomy or hierarchy, date or location, or even for quality of the image for that matter.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

     This is one of our most common plants in southern Ontario, growing in many locations, even along roadsides and in waste areas, and it is among my favourites. It survives, thrives and brings me joy.

     Its roots, sliced and ground, are familiar to many as a coffee substitute. In France its leaves are highly esteemed as barbe-de-capucin in salads, and possibly are used here too, particularly by the immigrant community.

     Nectar is yielded by the Chicory flowers only between 07h:00 to around noon, and bees and other pollinators time their visits accordingly.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

     A very familiar bird in wetlands of every type, and even in field and pasture where some individuals have specialized in capturing rodents and other terrestrial prey.

     This individual was patiently working one side of a creek and secured a fine dinner!

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

     How often is Common Milkweed found in profusion on our walks, yet seldom noticed, less frequently remarked on, and generally ignored?

      This humble, tenacious plant, (along with other species of milkweed) is critical to the life cycle of the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). The butterfly lays its eggs on the leaves so that the black-and-green caterpillars feed on them, accumulating bitter and toxic glucosides, rendering them distasteful to predators, especially birds. The glucosides are retained during and after pupation.

      I have been told that the plant had a wide range of medicinal uses for Indigenous peoples, although I don't know how they were able to neutralize the toxins. Commonly cited applications are wart removal, and use as both a laxative and a contraceptive.

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)

     I am confident in saying that this Lilliputian woodpecker is well known to even the most casual observer, and is much loved.

     The picture above shows a male with his jaunty red cap.

     It is a resident species at our latitude and enlivens our surroundings even on the coldest winter's day. Drumming, to a woodpecker, is what song is to other species, and may be heard throughout the year to establish territory, attract a mate and communicate location.

     Downy Woodpecker is a keystone species; it's discarded nest holes are used by many other species, bird and mammal alike. Without cavities made by woodpeckers birds such as Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) would be without a home.

White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum)

      The various species of Meadowhawks are often difficult to differentiate one from another, but I am fairly sure this is White-faced Meadowhawk (Sympetrum obtrusum).

     The female oviposits in tandem, or alone with the male standing guard. 

     In our region of southern Ontario, meadowhawks are common, even abundant in some locations, from the end of summer through fall.

Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monubia quadridens)

     This impressive wasp was new to me, but I am pretty sure it is a Four-toothed Mason Wasp (Monubia quadridens), a species of solitary Potter Wasp.

      It feeds on caterpillars and pollen and has two generations per year; one generation overwinters as pupae.

      It is not aggressive to humans and its sting is not especially painful. Only the female stings, but uniquely the male is capable of delivering a painful "pinprick" without venom and the pain is transitory. 

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

     We are almost always alerted to its presence by its distinctive nasal call, making it easy to find this delightful, acrobatic character.

     It stays with us all year, so is in my estimation a true Canadian, tough, hardy, resourceful, ready to tackle whatever life throws at it.

    I am very fond of this delightful little bird.

Maples (genus Acer)

     What would fall in Ontario be without the blaze of maples?

     I hope never to find out.