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Project Noah Nature School
Argiope catenulata
This is an immature Argiope catenulata sitting on the stabilimentum at the center of the web. When threatened, they hide beneath the web like a shield. As they mature, they adopt the vertical "X" zigzag pattern. Its local name in the Philippines is "Gagambang Ekis" (X Spider).
A web decoration or stabilimentum (plural: stabilimenta) is a conspicuous silk structure included in the webs of some species of orb-web spider. Its function is a subject of debate. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabiliment... Project Noah fun fact link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...
Spotted on Oct 2, 2013
Submitted on Oct 2, 2013
17 Comments
This group of Argiope species
like these species:
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/234...
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/923...
do not seem to build the "X" pattern. Instead they build a roundish zigzag area.
It looks very similar to Argiope chloreis
That is very informative Karen, thanks!
Fun fact! Unlike most spiders’ webs that are practically invisible, those of members of the Argiope family have very distinctive webs that feature large zigzag structures, called stabilimentum at their center. Studies have shown that although obvious, stabilimentum play a role in attracting prey to the web by reflecting ultra-violet light, and possibly help to prevent its destruction by large animals. These structures also provide the common name of “writing spider” to some of the North American species. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...
Fantastic capture with magical details. Well done!
Thank you Adi! Best regards... :)
Beautiful stabilimentum :) Lovely spotting Leana :)
Done Ava! Thank you!
Please consider adding this spotting to the Animal Architecture mission at http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8082...
Thank you so much staccyh!
Such amazing photos!! Congrats :)
Thank you Carol, bherath20 and Luis!
Beutiful find!
Thank you Leonardo! :)
beautiful....
What a wonderful artistic spider.
Impressive! Gorgeous shot and spotting, Leana!