ARANEIDAE - ORB-WEB WEAVER

FACT FILE - 090

Family

Araneidae

Species

Backobourkia heroine
(L Koch, 1879)

Body Length

Female: 17mm
Male: 13.25mm

Habitat

On orb web between bushes. Devonport area.

Toxicity

Unknown, but may cause mild illness if bitten. Non-aggressive.

Click images to enlarge.

090

Female.

0902

Female. Another colour variation.

0903

Female. Another colour variation.

0905

Female. Another colour variation.

0906

Female. Another colour variation.

0908

Female. Another colour variation.

0907

Female. Facing view.

0909

Female. Rear view.

0904

Female. Ventral view.

0904

Female. Epigyne.

09010

Male.

09011

Male. Ventral view.

09012

Female. Facing view showing yellow chelicerae.
Backobourkia heroine and Backoborkia brounii are very similar in their markings and are easlily confused. However, B. heroine is larger than B. brounii. Its chelicerae are yellow compared to dark on B. brounii. B. heroine can be found on its web or supporting foliage. It can be approached and observed at close quarters, however, B. brounii tends to drop to the ground when approached, then climbs back onto its web.