Mommy Spider by cfulton
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Description
We were on our way back to the car after our walk to Elephants Eye wnd the car guard said he had something to show us. It was this web with the Orb spider strung between the fynbos vegitation.
"Argiope is one of the most familiar genera of orb web spiders. Being diurnal, garden spiders are colourfully marked, the carapace silver and the legs banded. The aposematic (warning) yellow and black colouration of the abdomen remind birds that they are unpalatable.
The Argiope web normally has two zig-zag bands of silk radiating outwards from the hub (centre) to the bottom corners of the web. There may be four of these bands in some species while some juveniles may construct a spiral. These are called stabilimenta and serve various functions; stabilize and strengthen the web, make the web visible perhaps serving as a decoy for birds, or also to reflect ultraviolet light thereby deceiving and attracting insects.
The spider sits head down with its legs positioned in pairs, forming a cross with the two anterior (front) pairs resting on the stabilimenta.
"Argiope" means "silver face" with reference to the silver prosoma and may refer to a Greek mythological person.
Species indigenous to southern Africa.
Argiope australis (25mm body length) has a scalloped abdomen with yellow and black bands. On the Cape Peninsula some spiders have orange and black bands. Argiope australis occurs over most of Africa except in forests from South Africa northwards to north-east Africa. It is commonly seen from about January to June on its web amongst low base vegetation, within a metre from the ground. Males are tiny, measuring 5.5mm, and can often be seen in or near the females web. Juvenile females appear to have a more slender build."
(Iziko Biodiversity Explorer)
Hope you enjoy the info - would appear that they are not poisonous.
Apologies for the lack of comments - work is hectic.
Clive
Comments (15)
MrsRatbag
Wow, I've never seen one shaped like that, how pretty it is!
durleybeachbum
What a FAB pic, and fascinating info! A fave!
kgb224
Stunning capture Clive.
jmb007
superbe photo!!
blinkings
Perfect DOF on this macro!!!! I know they are harmless but still they give me the creeeeeeeps!
sschweiger
Excellent info! Check my avatar and gallery for the Argiope common in midwest USA. I love these guys!
PSDuck
A most interestingly shaped spider! Thanks for posting her!
watapki66
Wonderful photo
debbielove
Excellent shot! Very colourful.. A beautiful looking spider. Well done Clive.. Rob
DEWoodward
Impressive capture!!
moochagoo
Very impressive one !
flora-crassella
a very beautiful spider! GREAT photo!!!!!
praep
Unusual looking, but very nice spider. Like her very much.
Meisiekind
Oh I know all about hectic workloads! I am not touching base at the moment! Stunning image of this beauty Clive! I hate spiders but this one is particularly handsome! :)
lucindawind
wow what a shot .. hes an interesting and pretty looking spider