20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Golden-Orb Spider

This photo is one I took with my iPhone on a study abroad to Costa Rica. On a mission to study the nature in Costa Rica, we were out searching for critters in the remote town of Mastatal (a population of about 150 people). I stumbled upon this golden orb spider snacking on a cicada, which is a bright teal color there, and got this snapshot. The spiders are giant, almost the size of my hand, making its detail in the image striking.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Mastatal, Costa Rica
Camera: iPhone 11
Copyright: © Elizabeth Bertram