Signature Spider Stabilimentum

Description:

Argiope luzona (Walckenaer, 1841) is one of six Argiope spp. documented as present in the Philippines. It is, not surprisingly, the most common Argiope spider in the area where I live (Luzon). I have become interested in the different kinds of Stabilimentum which these spiders weave at the centre of their webs. There are many ideas put forward concerning the purpose of a Stabilimentum, but I don't want to get caught up in that. What I would like to do is show, in my spottings, some (as many as I can) different types of these web decorations. The photo here shows a female on her Stabilimentum. This type is called a "Four-armed Continuous Cruciate Stabilimentum" (it crosses the hub).

Habitat:

This Argiope luzona was spotted on a Blushing Philodendron climbing plant (Philodendron erubescens) growing on the trunk of a mango tree.

Notes:

The nomenclature which I am using, for the various Stabilimenta shown in this series of spottings, comes from a scientific paper written by a leading group of Philippine academics. https://www.researchgate.net/publication...