A common spider in coastal bushland. It hides in a curled leaf with the tips of its legs showing, similar to Phonognatha graeffei. Araneus dimidiatus twists its leaf tighter and is hairier than Phonognatha graeffei. Body length: female 9 mm, male about 4 mm. The web is an incomplete circle, open at the top. A curled up dry leaf is suspended by supporting threads.
Female, face on, oblique view
Photo: Robert Whyte
Male, face on
Photo: Robert Whyte
Male and female together
These spiders are unusual in that the male and female happily shack up together.
Photo: Robert Whyte
