Bolas Spider Egg Sacs

Subject:  What is this?
Geographic location of the bug:  El Sereno, Los Angeles
Date: 10/06/2018
Time: 06:30 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman:  This is hanging from my citrus tree. What is it?
How you want your letter signed:  Emily

Bolas Spider Egg Sacs

Dear Emily,
These are egg sacs of a Bolas Spider, Mastophora cornigera, a harmless Orbweaver.  Here is a BugGuide image for comparison.  BugGuide also contains this bit of fascinating information:  “When egg sacs hatch they release immature females and *mature* males! Presumably an adaptation to avoid inbreeding. Males are short-lived and much smaller (obviously) than females.”  The eggs will hatch in the spring. 

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Location: El Sereno, Los Angeles