Mariton: Spider Moon

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

The full moon in August is known as the Sturgeon Moon, as that is when native peoples caught this fish that frequented river systems like the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers.  (It is known as the Green Corn Moon, and other names.)

I think it should be know as the Spider Moon.  August is the month when spiders really get abundant.  If you live in an old house you have already noticed the increase in cobwebs in every corner.  During August, I walk the trails with a small stick in front of my face.  I will duck spider webs if I see them, but the stick breaks the ones I miss and keeps them off my face.  I don’t mind running into spider webs most of the year, but in August when I am perspiring a web in the face just adds too much stickiness.  It is amazing that I can break a web across a trail and come back an hour later and it is restrung.  Amazing creatures!

Spider webs are beautiful features of the summer landscape.  When it is hot outside, it is a reason to get up early and go outside to see these dew coated spectacles.