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Project Noah Nature School
Argiope appensa
The genus Argiope is a large, beautiful spider genera, that is found throughout the world. The visible pattern of silk made by an Argiope is called a stabilimentum, which reflects UV light. They are fashioned into the web in a zigzag like pattern, sometimes forming an "X". Female spiders of these species boasts a striking yellow and black coloration and can grow up to 7cm. Despite the bombastic females, the males are only a fair shade of brown and only grows to 2cm. Their bite, luckily, isn't harmful to humans.
A. appensa is a spider found throughout the Western Pacific Ocean, ranging from coasts to forests. This one, I found in Greenwater resort, Jasaan (but the location wouldn't process that address so I placed the next major city in instead). Just off the coast in a quiet pathway down to the beach.
Here in the Philippines, we call it Spider X, or gagambang ekis. This species was used in episode "Exposé" of the Lost TV series, which is filmed on location in Hawai'i. -wikipedia were used for the references on their information --- The first two pictures are its dorsal side, while the next two are its ventral.
Spotted on May 21, 2012
Submitted on May 21, 2012
2 Comments
Oh, Sorry Goody, I thought of that phrase/title very differently, thanks for clearing that up!
Removed from the "Signs of Wildlife" mission, as it doesn't fit the description. That mission is for "the bones, fossils, webs, eggs, tracks, and other signs of wildlife" and not the actual animals themselves. Thanks!