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Golden Silk Orb-weaver (male)
Nephila edulis
-27.5086, 153.018
Field Notes
Description:
The Golden Silk Orb-weavers are the largest spider species found in the Brisbane area and are common in bushland areas and gardens. They build very large and strong yellow silk orb webs which are vertical or slightly inclined, usually high above the ground. Their common name refers to the colour of the spider silk, not the colour of the spider itself. They are reluctant biters but will deliver a nasty bite if provoked. Nephila spiders are the oldest surviving genus of spiders, with a fossilized specimen known from 165 million years ago. Sizes of 4.8 - 5.1 cm (1.5 – 2 in) in females, not including legspan, with males being usually 2/3 smaller (less than 2.5 cm, 1 in). Here's the female - https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/22289096
Habitat:
Common in bushland areas and gardens. These were in my backyard - some webs between large trees, others between large shrubs, and yet others suspended from the clothes line.
Notes:
These photos were taken after heavy morning dew just after sunrise. The female is at the rear, and compared to the male is huge! No wonder he's in his own little web... and he only has 5 legs. A very close shave, no doubt.
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