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Spiny orb weaver ♀

Gasteracantha versicolor

Photo by Tiz
Published on Project Noah
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-26.2735, 31.8656

Field Notes

Description:

About 13 mm between the spines. The web was about 2 meter up in a tree.
ID is still not 100% confirmed. This can also be a Gasteracantha curvispina.

Habitat:

Found at Hlane resturant. (Kate: and other specimen was also found at EEC, Mlawula)

Species ID Suggestions

Spiny orb weaver ♀

Gasteracantha versicolor

Reference Link
Mark Ridgway
1

Comments (7)
kdpicturemaker
Australia certainly is a great place for spider spotting! Getting close is often risky, but satisfying when you get a great photo and can see more detail than with the naked eye.
Tiz
Ah kd, you seem to have a lot of different "kite spiders" in Australia! Great place to live if you love spiders :) However, before I started to shoot macro pictures, I though spiders would be easy. But now I find that they are among the hardest to get a great picture of! Especially those who are in their web. But it is fun trying thoug! Thank you for the ID hint kate, Ill see what I can find now.
kdpicturemaker
Used to see lots of similar little ones like this, very colourful, but it's been years since I saw the last one. There's such variety in the orb weavers too isn't there.
KateBraun
Unfortunately I can't find any useful references online for G. curvispina.
KateBraun
Thanks, Tina. I think this one might be Gasteracantha curvispina: The key in Spiders of the Savanna biome has two features which lead to this: Posterior lateral spine very long, extending beyond body posteriorly; and with very distinct curve.
Tiz
Thank you Doc :) I alos think it has some face looking features. Mark, you were fast as a cobra there! Thanks a bunch sir :)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Photographed
PublishedMay 1, 2014

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