The spider builds a new web every day to ensure that her web will be in perfect shape for catching unsuspecting insects.This beautiful spider was in my own back yard. It was amazingly difficult to get this picture as the wind kept swaying her web around, consequently the pictures would blur.

The day that I found this spider in my back yard she was making her web on a giant bush, but she wasn't alone. There were over twenty other spiders just like her busily crafting their webs. It was quite a sight to see!

This butterfly was visiting the Portland Zoo as part of a large exhibit of rare Mexican butterflys. I was so amazed with how close I could actually get without chasing it away. In fact while I was taking the picture, there were other butterflys landing on my head and shoulders. By the time I finished I had four on me.

The large spot on the wing is the butterflys only means of protection in the wild. The spot emulates an owls eye and does so most convincingly. A predator might think twice about getting too close to what 'might' or 'might not' be something that will eat it.

The dragonfly in the picture landed on one of the potted plants in our back yard last summer. I couldn't believe my luck and ran for my camera. It was very accommodating as it stayed there for over ten minutes while I snapped away.

Dragonflies are amazing looking insects, and until this one landed for a photo op' I never realised how intricit their bodies were, how beautifuly formed they are.