Araneus species cf Araneus dimidiatus and Araneus mulierarius Live Leaf-curling Araneid

Female adult, side on
Female adult, from behind
Female adult, from above
Female adult, facing
Female adult, epigyne
Female adult, on leaf retreat
Female adult, on leaf retreat

This is a new species in a yet to be established genus to which Araneus dimidiatus and Araneus mulierarius belong. All species are leaf-curlers. This species doesn't differ by the black patch at the back (which is very varialble in all species), but by the pattern of the shoulder in the abdomen. One of the frew groups of orb-weavers in which identification is easier by external colour than by genitalia. Both A. dimidiatus and this new species occur together in NSW and Qld. Body length of the mature female 6-7m. Male probably smaller. They have a retreat in a curled leaf nearby and attached to their orb web.