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'Araneus' rotundulus (Keyserling, 1887) Yellow Spotted Orb Weaver)

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


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

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.

Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

On leaf from above


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

From underneath showing yellow dots


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

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.

Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from above, patterned abdomen


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male underneath


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male face on


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male side on


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another male, face on


Araneus rotundulus male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another male from above facing


Araneus rotundulus male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another male, from behind


Araneus rotundulus male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Juvenile Female


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult from above showing size 4.3mm body length


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult underneath showing epigyne


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult 18710 in alcohol facing


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult 18710 in alcohol facing


Araneus rotundulus
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, facing, very large, body length nearly 5mm 051010


Araneus rotundulus

 
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