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Project Noah Nature School
Nephila clavata
Nephila clavata, also known as the Jorō Spider (ジョロウグモ（女郎蜘蛛、上臈蜘蛛), is a member of the golden orb-web spider group. The spider can be found throughout Japan except Hokkaidō, in Korea, Taiwan and China. Due to the large size as well as the bright, unique colors of the species of the female Nephila, the spider is well-favored in Japan. The female's body size is 17–25 mm, while the male's is 7–10 mm. The web of female Nephila can reach one meter in width; the yellow threads appear rich gold in sunlight.
Jorōgumo is a legendary creature in Japanese folklore. A Jorōgumo is a spider which can change its appearance into that of a beautiful woman. She attracts men, and once a man has been trapped as a result of her seduction, he will be tied up and eaten by her.
Spotted on Sep 12, 2013
Submitted on Feb 7, 2014
15 Comments
thanks Larry...
Wonderful series Pam
This is the one I saw 3 years ago, the body was egg-shaped, but still with the beautiful markings...
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/947...
Hahaha, obviously I have a short memory! Thanks Rieko...
Well, in your description, it says "The spider can be found throughout Japan except Hokkaidō" When I was a child, I was so afraid of spiders, so even if they existed, I refused to see them ;-) Hokkaido is very beautiful place and more nature oriented, I think. It is cold in winter though...
Ah Rieko, they don't have these in Hokkaido? There were HEAPS of them around Nakano. I have yet to visit Hokkaido, but it's on the list!
thanks Carol and Sarah for appreciating this beautiful spider...
Great! Thank you for sharing the spider of Japan.
That is a gorgeous spider, Pam, and a great Japanese folklore story behind such beauty, thank you for sharing.
What a story for this Spider. I am from Hokkaido. That is why I am not familiar with this Spider. Nice shot.
incredible! love it.
Wonderful spider!
thanks for all the fav's....
Thanks Lauren. They are very common in the apple and grape growing region where I was staying in Japan.
Gorgeous! Never saw this one before!