An orb weaver that builds a complex web strung between the branches of shrubs. Females to around 10mm body length, males much small, to about 6mm body length. Colour can vary considerably, mostly brownish. The two blunt projections at the rear end of the abdomen give this spider its common name. The female guards her egg sac. Many smaller spiders often occupy the web's periphery. A lot of debris is collected in the web, which the spider cleans periodically, usually at night. These spiders are very shy. When disturbed they hide In a retreat near the edge of the web or play dead. The female makes her egg sac (an olive-shaped silken ball) in her retreat. The offspring hatch in about two to three weeks. This is one of the more easily recognised Araneids.
- Adult female
- Adult female, darker cephalothorax
- Red brown adult
- Dark brown adult
- Adult, showing underneath, with prey
- Male
- Male, underneath
- Male from underneath, reddish
- Male from above, reddish
- Male closeup of palpal organs
Adult female
Adult female, darker cephalothorax
Red brown adult
This colour variation is much redder than the usual, which is normally more orange-brown.
Dark brown adult
This darker brown version is another type, resulting from genetic or environmental differerences, or a combination of the two.
Adult, showing underneath, with prey
The prey looks like a 28 spotted Ladybird Beetle. Note the spider's mouthparts and the epigynum.
Male
Body length about 4.5mm collected 10-09-09 on the northern side of the junction of Fish and Enoggera Creeks, Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap.
Male, underneath
Male from underneath, reddish
Male from above, reddish
Male closeup of palpal organs
