Living with spiders in the Aussie bush for 20 years, my fear has been replaced by fascination. Spiders are wildlife too. Love goggas. Love all wildlife. Not just the cute fluffy creatures. This Garden Orb-weaving Spider is harmless (unless you’re a male spider who was happy until he was dinner for the female).

The Australian garden orb-weaving spider is one of nature’s quiet overnight architects, spinning beautiful, perfectly patterned webs under the cover of darkness and packing them away again by morning. With its chunky body and long legs, it might look a little spooky at first glance, but this gentle garden helper is actually a champion insect catcher, keeping mozzies and flies in check. Harmless to humans and fascinating to watch, it’s just another small wonder that makes spending time outdoors in Australia so interesting.