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Orb-Weaver Spider

Micrathena sp.

Photo by The MnMs
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

Small, half to 1 cm. Abdomen spiny, ended in two red tips on each side.
These are diurnal (daytime active) spiders that build vertical, orb-shaped webs.Micrathena are different from most araneids in that they first bite their prey, then wrap it. Most other orbweavers wrap it first, then bite.

Habitat:

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

Notes:

http://www.uark.edu/ua/arthmuse/spinorb.html

Reference Links:

Micrathena, Genus Micrathena - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
tmvdh
Hola Marta, bonita foto. Pero: Como arañas no son insectos - ¿Puedes eliminarlo de mi misión "Insectos de Costa Rica? Gracias y saludos
The MnMs
Hi sunnyjosef, thanks! Unfortunately not. The spider web was only accessible from that side. Also the pics were taken in the middle of rain, darkness and horrific winds..is miracle I can show the spider at all..after many shot trials I could only get these three as the most decent pics :-( (these days were unusually windy and stormy in Monteverde..not great for pics haha :-)
sunnyjosef
Lovely coloring for this orb weaver.. Do you have a sideways shot?

Spotted for Missions

Mission
International Spider Survey
Mission
El mini-mundo de Costa Rica
Photographed
PublishedMay 13, 2014

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