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Salsa brisbanae (L. Koch, 1867) Brisbane Orb Weaver

This speciesbelongs in the Salsa group. It occurs mostly in Queensland and NSW with a few records from Victoria and Tasmania. The mature female is small compared to other similar orb weavers, up to about 6mm body length. The male is slightly smaller than the female, up to 5.5mm body length. This spider makes a web in spaces between foliage, strung between supports, often about 2 metres above the ground. The front of the abdomen is smoothly rounded without shoulders. There is a single high peak at the rear. The cephalothorax is orange brown with white hairs, darker brown on two obvious 'lobes' to the rear and sides of the fovea, the front half very hairy and lighter towards the eye region. The chelicera are dark orange brown with white bristles in the area of the 'moustache'. The abdomen is light yellow to orange with wavy lengthways brown lines and markings making a scalloped pattern, lighter at the front. The height of the abdomen is accentuated by the rear peak. Thanks to Dr Volker Framenau for help with identification.

Female adult 7-11-11WBR facing from above


Araneus brisbanae
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult 7-11-11WBR from above


Araneus brisbanae
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult 7-11-11WBR from above in alcohol


Araneus brisbanae
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult 7-11-11WBR in alcohol, facing


Araneus brisbanae
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult 7-11-11WBR in alcohol, epigyne


Araneus brisbanae
Photo: Robert Whyte

 
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