The arrival of fall means orb weaver spiders, and their webs fill the Garden. This is also the breeding season for many spiders, including the Spotted Orbweaver - Neoscona crucifera.
In the video below, a male Spotted Orbweaver is determining if it's the right time to make a move on this female while she builds her web. This can be dangerous business, so the male takes great care in his decision. Ultimately, he decides tonight is not the night.
1 - The male appears on her web
2 - The female, sensing his movement, evaluates what’s in her web by slowly tugging on it.
3 - Her assessment is that nothing is there and continues on with her work.
4 - The male contemplates his next move.
5 - He proceeds to make his advance.
6 - In position to go for it!
7 - He’s not feeling it. He retreats and does not return for the remainder of the night.
Web building and male encounter at 10x speed
Full 20 minutes of web building leading up to the male arriving.