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Nephila pilipes (Fabricius, 1793) Northern or Giant Golden Orb Weaver

A colourful Nephila species, with legs relatively longer and more slender than those of other species, primarily a tropical spider across all of northern Australia but occasionally found as far south as South East Queensland and Northern NSW. There are patches of bright yellow on the undersides of many leg joints . The pedipalps are red. The golden web is mostly vertical with a fine irregular mesh, not symmetrical, with the hub is usually nearer the top. Despite its size a rather timid spider unlikely to bite. ♀ 50mm ♂ 8mm

Female adult, Walton Bridge The Gap, Brisbane


Nephila pilipes
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult, Walton Bridge The Gap, Brisbane


Nephila pilipes
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, Cairns Botanic Gardens December 2010


Nephila pilipes
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, Northern Australia


Nephila pilipes
Photo: Ed Nieuwenhuys

Female, Daley River, NT


Nephila pilipes
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male in alcohol, facing and side on, showing palps


Nephila pilipes
Photo: Robert Whyte

References


 
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