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Parasteatoda decorata (L. Koch, 1867) Decorated Cobweb Spider

This small-medium spider has long thin legs and a rather variably coloured abdomen. The female builds a minimal, messy tent shaped web of sticky silk, usually about 1-2m off the ground near large trees, sometimes on the outside corners of built structures, usually with a retreat in a dead leaf. Body length of female to 4mm, male to 3mm. It was first described by Koch as Theredion, then changed to Achaearanea by Crysanthus then to Parasteatoda by Yoshida.

Female with prey in web side view


Achaearanea sp cf Shield plates 60 and 61
Female, body length 4mm. Enoggera Catchment, Brisbane. Photo: Robert Whyte

Female with prey in web showing abdominal pattern


Achaearanea sp cf Shield plates 60 and 61
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female from behind


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult in web


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult from behind with spiderlings


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult underneath


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spiderlings


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spiderlings


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult from above


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult with spiderlings


Achaearanea mundula
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 from side with egg sac


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 from side with egg sac


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 from side with egg sac


P
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 from above


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 facing


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 from above in alcohol


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female 20510 epigynum


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female with egg sacs Cairns Botanic Gardens 151210


Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, black form freshwater national park 230111


This specimen was near the base of a blackened, burnt-out tree stump, and had adapted to the surroundings by becoming black itself.

Parasteatoda decorata
Photo: Robert Whyte

 
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