Spined Micrathena

Micrathena gracilis (female)

Description:

Orb-weaver of about 1cm in length, with a very distinguishable bulky abdomen. Carapace and legs are orange/brown, with the cephalothorax showing a paler lateral outline; abdomen has ten black-tipped spines and is mainly yellow with white markings on upside, and darker stripes and mottles on the sides. The males look quite different, being substantially smaller and flatter, and lacking the conspicuous spines.

Habitat:

Rainforest around Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. This specimen was found at the roadside, where it had built it's web in the dense vegetation about 65cm (2 ft) above the ground.

Species ID Suggestions

15 Comments

Felix Fleck 6 years ago

Thanks! No worries. I was in Chiapas over Christmas last year and saw some amazing bugs.

LaurenZarate 6 years ago

Gorgeous spider! You were very close to San Cristobal! Sorry I missed you!

Felix Fleck 6 years ago

Thanks, Mark.

Mark Ridgway 6 years ago

Excellent. I agree with Polilla on the second shot.

Felix Fleck 6 years ago

Thanks, Bhagya.

Bhagya Herath 6 years ago

wow!!

Felix Fleck 7 years ago

Thanks, Jordi! Much appreciated.

JordiPrats 7 years ago

Great finding and pics Felix!

Felix Fleck 7 years ago

Obrigado, Sergio.

Sergio Monteiro 7 years ago

iQue rica!

Felix Fleck 7 years ago

Thanks, triggs.

Felix Fleck 7 years ago

Thanks for the nomination!

AshleyT 7 years ago

Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!