St Andrew's Cross Spider

Argiope keyserlingi

Notes:

This is a young spider in our patio - only about 1.5cm long (including legs). The circular zigzag band in the centre of the web is typical of the younger spiders - as adults they weave in distinctive cross patterns from which their common name is derived. This silky band is known as a stabilimentum and no one knows for sure what its purpose is; however, it could be for web stabilisation, sunshade (for the younger spiders with their circular pattern), attracting prey, or avoiding predators.

Species ID Suggestions

8 Comments

ShannaB 12 years ago

Thanks Ashish! This spotting http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/861... are adults that also live in our patio about two metres from this young one. The shot shows the female in the middle and the much smaller male at top right. Currently the male has disappeared and the female recently gave birth to a cloud of babies - I'll post pics of them and update the spotting! : )