Jewelled Spider

INTRODUCTION The Jewelled Spider is also known by its Latin name - Gasteracantha Minax, meaning "threatening and projecting". They are also known as spiny orb weavers and are part of the orb weaving spider family. This spider's body is very broad and grows to the size of a 20c piece, with its 8 legs being the length of a pin (fairly short for a spider). Its abdomen is strikingly coloured with bright yellow and white and black. Six stout spines (long and sharp) come from the border of the abdomen.
HABITAT These spiders mostly can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including Australia. In Australia, this Jewelled Spider has been found in all states including Tasmania and on numerous islands off the coast. It is particularly common in the Summer months of January and February. These spiders inhabit mostly shrub areas close to swamps and creeks. Many Jewelled Spiders are solitary but the well known Christmas Spiders are frequently found in colonies of communal webs which may number hundreds and even thousands. These large colonies overlap one another among shrubbery in the bushland.

INTRODUCTION

HABITAT