A small orb weaver species very common in coastal Queensland. Body length of females about 4mm, males 2-3mm. The female is very rotund, the male less so. The body is dark brown to black, with dots and other markings on the upper surface of the abdomen. The female has two prominent yellow dots on the undersurface of the abdomen. When she is disturbed, she drops on a silk, displaying the two yellow dots on the underneath of its abdomen probably as a defensive move to frighten predators. These are also visible when it is on its web. This spider has yellow on its legs, visible when extended. Unlike most other orb web species it tends to remain in the web during the daylight hours rather than moving into a retreat soon after sunrise. Its food is airborn insects trapped in the web. This species was described by Keryserling in 1887 as Epeira, and is awaiting revision.
- From above
- From above showing yellow on legs
- On leaf from above
- From underneath showing yellow dots
- Male face on
- Male from above, patterned abdomen
- Male underneath
- Male face on
- Male side on
- Another male, face on
- Another male from above facing
- Another male, from behind
- Juvenile Female
- Female adult from above showing size 4.3mm body length
- Female adult underneath showing epigyne
- Female adult 18710 in alcohol facing
- Female adult 18710 in alcohol facing
- Female, facing, very large, body length nearly 5mm 051010
From above
From above showing yellow on legs
This photo also shows the scalloped markings on the sides of the abdomen it shares with the related species Araneus acuminatus.
On leaf from above
From underneath showing yellow dots
Male face on
Dr Volker Framenous advises us that this male is most likely A. rotundulus (or a close relative). The strongly protruding head region shows that the specimen belongs to the undescribed genus to which also A. rotundulus belongs. To be sure of the species an expert would have to examin the pedipalps in detail.
Male from above, patterned abdomen
Male underneath
Male face on
Male side on
Another male, face on
Another male from above facing
Another male, from behind
Juvenile Female
Female adult from above showing size 4.3mm body length
Female adult underneath showing epigyne
Female adult 18710 in alcohol facing
Female adult 18710 in alcohol facing
Female, facing, very large, body length nearly 5mm 051010
