[Arid_gardener] spider on almond tree

[Patti Ahlman]

I found a white spider on our young almond tree. It has a big, round 
back end and tan-colored legs. It looks as if it laid some egg sacs 
just under its web. They are attached to branch, sit right next to each 
other, and are bright white. The web wraps around a branch and a few 
leaves and the lucky spider was chomping on a fly when I found him 
today. It looks like a second but older web was made on another branch 
nearby. Is this a harmful spider or something to leave alone?

I'm thrilled that the almond tree leafed out nicely, flowered, and 
produced the beginnings of some nuts, but it seems only one or two are 
still there. The tree was planted about 1.5 years ago.

Any advice is appreciated.


Patti