Spiny Orbweaver

Surreal, Kate.

Yes, and it could be that some of ones ID as the Isoxya tabulata could also be another one. All the Isoxya tabulata do not look the same.

... but not quite right ... Yes, that's best to describe our dilemma.

I agree with Gastercanthinae, but I am sceptic about being a Gasteracantha. But I am also not really happy with my other candidate. Box Spider, Isoxya sp. and could be Isoxya tabulata Biscuit Kite Spider, but not a typical one. The grooves are too "deep" and strong in yours compared to Isoxya tabulata. But the regularity of the spikes and the box-like or sharp rectangular shape makes it quite unique compared to the other Gasteracantha sp., from which there should be only 4 species in RSA and none matches only nearly. There might be other, maybe rare and not common Gasteracanthinae in RSA. And I am only sceptic, I would not completely exclude a Gasteracantha sp. Same one like yours, but with my "sceptic" ID. Note also the bicolored legs in yours and Isoxya sp. http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/345206 https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/34054049 http://www.sonyuserforum.de/forum/showthread.php?t=141717 http://www.djaniwildlife.co.za/wildways-games/content/text/spider%20families/web%20dwellers/orb-web%20spiders/43%20aran%20sub%20gastera%2002.htm http://saphotographs.blogspot.ch/2013/02/yellow-biscuit-kite-spider-isoxya.html http://www.ispot.org.za/node/198028 http://www.ispot.org.za/node/184428 http://www.ispot.org.za/node/144528 Here I am more happy with the grooves... http://www.thefeaturedcreature.com/2012/02/snack-attack-biscuit-kite-spider.html http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tiBvwGI4ju4/UGmDmV9j8dI/AAAAAAAAADU/EtbqfLYHgV4/s1600/Araneidae+-+Isoxya+tabulata+-+Box+Kite+Spider.JPG

you're welcome kate ;) i really hope you can get a more accurate Id to this beauty :-) good luck!

there are tons of subspecies you'll have to decide which one ;) or get bayucca to help you, or another spider expert