Wildlife Spotting

Now that last years adults have died off, the new juveniles are moving into the trees. I am seeing hundreds of these spiders. As pilipes is the most common nephila spider here, I am finally convinced that this is indeed pilipes. The red markings at the front/top of the abdomen and the leg brushes disappear in the adult stages. So sorry to have messed you around. Dave

I have a ton of research to do on these spiders. I am seriously considering capturing one and doing a year long study. Still figuring out the logistics. Dave

I notice that you have gone with a pilipes ID. I can understand this and could not say that you are wrong. To be honest, I am still figuring out my own collection of images, as I am finding subtle differences in about 10% of my pilipes folder. Check out this link, particularly page 9 of the document, second column starting at the second paragraph, also figure 5. Photographs would have been better, but you know what these scientists are like :) http://www.sil.si.edu/SmithsonianContributions/Zoology/pdf_hi/SCTZ-0218.pdf This all could tie in with your third nephilia post of the black spider, as I too have similar images for which I have no ID. I am certainly not asking you to change your ID, merely offering some information that raises questions. In future I am going to try and collect more meaningful images:top, side, bottom close-ups, also close-ups of the rear leg to record any hair brushes. You might want to do the same. Dave

From the brushes on leg pairs 1,2 and 4, I do believe that this is an immature nephilia maculata. Assuming that the underside that you posted separately, is the same spider, it would have been most useful if you had issued them as a single post. It is always very helpful to have as many views as possible for identification. Dave