Recently in the Tetragnathidae, this spider has been moved back into the Araneidae by Kuntner et al 2008 (reported in Platnick 9.5). This spider is usually recognised its curled dry leaf hanging in an untidy web, sometimes with its legs showing. The leaf hangs about 1-2m from the ground in shrubbery, often in suburban gardens. At full stretch this spider (including legs) is about the size of a 50c piece. It is thought to be harmless to humans but will bite if provoked, resulting in mild local pain. When an insect lands in its web the spider will rush out and immobilise it with silk, otherwise all than can usually be seen is the retreat (see picture below).
- Adult, from above
- Female North Stradbroke Island
- Male North Stradbroke Island
- Curled leaf
- Female, from above
- Female, from side
- Male, oblique view
- Male from above
- Male from side
- P. melanopygia Female 151210 Cairns Botanic Gardens from side
- P. melanopygia Female 151210 Cairns Botanic Gardens from side
- P. melanopygia Female 151210 Cairns Botanic Gardens facing
Adult, from above
Female North Stradbroke Island
Male North Stradbroke Island
Curled leaf
This photo shows the typical curled leaf that is suspended in the web, usually vertically with the opening at the bottom. The spider hides in here until it senses something to eat has landed in its web.
Female, from above
Female, from side
Male, oblique view
Male from above
Male from side
P. melanopygia Female 151210 Cairns Botanic Gardens from side
The north Queensland variety seems to have a much more barrel-shaped abdomen than the South East Queensland.
P. melanopygia Female 151210 Cairns Botanic Gardens from side
P. melanopygia Female 151210 Cairns Botanic Gardens facing
