ARANEIDAE - GOLDEN ORB WEAVER

FACT FILE - 311

Family

Araneidae

Species

Trichonephila edulis
(Labillardière, 1799)

Body Length

Female: Up to 40mm
Male: 7mm

Habitat

Builds an orb web suspended on long suspension strands between branches of trees and bushes, or manmade structures.

Toxicity

Bites may occur, but not considered dangerous.

Click on images to enlarge.

Female.Photo: ©Glenn Gregg.

Female.

Female.

Female.

Female. Side view.

Ventral view showing sternum.

Nephila edulis and Nephila plumipes look very similar, however, N. plumipes has a conical mound on the front end of the sternum.

Female.

This is a mainland Australian spider, but has been found from time to time in Tasmania. It is suspected that it may 'balloon' here on northerly winds as a spiderling, or arrive as a stowaway passenger on interstate vehicles or containers. It may not colonise here as the weather is colder than its usual habitat.