Black-and-White Spiny Spider

Description:

This species has become a more frequent sight in our immediate area, in recent weeks. This spotting brings the total number now present in our front garden and backyard, to four.

Habitat:

Spotted in our front garden on its web which it has built between a Ben Oil Tree (Moringa oleifera) and a Melon Tree (Carica papaya) locally known as Malungay and Papaya respectively. The web is about 10 ft. above the ground. The plant ID's are from stuartxchange.org.

Notes:

Please note that the last picture was added on Jan 13, 2023 when I noticed a web decoration had appeared. The original pictures were taken with the use of a step ladder (to get alignment with the sky for better contrast). I didn't have time for that today. So, the foliage gives a darker background, but this is the same spider, on the same web, in the same place.