Super Crop Challenge #1 appeared not to be too difficult – let’s see if this one is any harder. This is a straight up ID challenge, more points for greater specificity. To narrow things down a bit, the photograph from which this portion was cropped was taken during October in southern Missouri.
Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2010
Beetles In The Bush 
Looks like the top of the abdomen of Araneus marmoreus. The timing of the shot would be right for that spider, which is more conspicuous around that time of year.
I feel like a student sitting a multiple-choice exam at the end of a semester spent partying. Would Ted really choose a spider for two tests in a row (or did I sleep through the last test?)?
The skin looks slimy and since there should not be any wild poison dart frogs in southern MIssouri, I was going to guess Ambystoma tigrinum, but the pattern doesn’t look right. How about Eurycea lucifuga? I’m pretty sure the cave salamander occurs in that general neck of the woods.
I would think a caterpillar in the Noctuidae.
I got to think about the appearance of segmentation that had me going towards lep larva and realized it wasn’t distinct enough. That took me back to square one and something in the Orb Weavers.
Troy is right, Araenus marmoreus for sure.
My guess is definitely: Araneus marmoreus, the Marbled Orv Weaver.
Colton, Troy and Dennis have got it. Check this photo.
Pingback: Answer to Super Crop Challenge #2 « Beetles In The Bush
Pingback: The Monday Night Mystery takes a hiatus – MYRMECOS - Insect Photography - Insect Pictures