Orb-weaver Spider

Description:

Orb-weaver spiders are members of the spider family Araneidae. They are the most common group of builders of spiral wheel-shaped webs often found in gardens, fields and forests. "Orb" was previously used in English to mean "circular", hence the English name of the group. Araneids have eight similar eyes, hairy or spiny legs, and no stridulating organs. The family is cosmopolitan, including many well-known large or brightly coloured garden spiders. With around 3,100 species in 169 genera worldwide, Araneidae is the third-largest family of spiders. Araneid webs are constructed in a stereotyped fashion. A framework of nonsticky silk is built up before the spider adds a final spiral of silk covered in sticky droplets.

Habitat:

Seen at a small forest near a river.

Notes:

A very well camouflaged Araneid seen under a dry leaf.