The name of the trashline orb weaver spider (Cyclosa turbinata) is derived from the thick vertical line of silk and/or debris in its web. Called the stabilimentum, the line may help stabilize the web, may attract insects, or may deter birds from flying through the web by making it visible. The line of silk also…
Tag: arachnid
Banana Spider
Huge but harmless, this lovely lady is about four inches across. A male of the species is only about 1/4 her size. These spiders are commonly called “banana spiders” not so much because they are yellow, but because they are often found among bunches of bananas during harvesting. I originally found this species described as…
Orchard Orb Weaver
Maybe half an inch long, including the legs — many even smaller. Orchard orb weaver spiders are almost invisible at a distance, and tiny rainbows when seen up close. They come in a variety of patterns featuring neons and bright colors against black. They hang upside down in the center of their webs waiting for…
Long-jawed Orb Weaver
Sadly, I can’t narrow this down past the family Tetragnatha, but it’s definitely a long-jawed orb weaver spider. The long-jawed orb weavers are notable first, ironically enough, for their immense forelegs, which they hold stretched out in front of them, giving the spider a very long profile. It uses these forelegs to grab prey. Secondarily…