Spiny Orb-weaver

Description:

Rather than possessing sexual dimorphism, both male and female have black and white transverse bands on the abdomen. Abdomen has three pairs of long stout lateral spines. The female of the species is characterized by having a highly sclerotized "spiny" abdomen, which is a common feature of the genus. Female also has varying numbers of sigillae in both dorsal and ventral abdominal surfaces. Male is somewhat smaller than the female and with lesser coloration and abdominal spines.

Habitat:

The oriental spiny orb-weaver constructs vertical orb webs, normally within open spaces between the branches of tall shrubs and thorns.