'Araneus' acuminatus (L. Koch, 1872) Pointy Orbweaver

A small orbweaver sometimes found in its web in the daytime, with a rather pointed abdomen having a scalloped-edge pattern along the sides. The males especially resemble the smaller and rounder 'Araneus' rotundulus to whom they are closley related and share habitats and behaviour. Another similar spider is 'Araneus' poltyoides, found from north Queensland, to at least Brisbane. The Pointy Orbweaver is known from northern australia, including the northern parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland but is very likely to widespread along coastal regions with fairly dense vegetation. Colours and patterns vary.Some specimens have strong white blobs, others have dark patches. Identification is by the scalloped sides of the abdomen, a seemingly consistent feature, and the size and shape of the female epigyne. Its webs are about 1m in diameter. ♀ 6mm ♂ 4mm

Female Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m
Female Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m
Male Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m
Male Cassowary House, Julatten
Male Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m
Female, Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap, from above looking left
Female, Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap from above tucked up
Male, Brisbane, from above, body length 4mm
Male, facing
Male, dark form, Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap, Brisbane
Male with dots in black
Male on leaf, facing
Male with dots in black, facing
Male from underneath
Female 300111 WBR no strong white blobs
Female 300111 WBR with strong white blobs
Female adult 240211 Glenbuck in alcohol
Female adult 240211 Glenbuck epigyne
Koch plate 9
References

Female Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Female Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Male Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Male Cassowary House, Julatten

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Male Kingfisher Park, Julatten - Rainforest at about 300m

Photo: Dr Greg Anderson

Female, Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap, from above looking left

Another specimen observed on Enoggera Creek in a web in the morning March 2009. Body length about 5mm. Abdomen showing the characteristic scalloped pattern on the sides leading to the (acuminate) point.