Skip to main content

Spiny Orbweaver Spider

Gasteracantha sp.

Photo by Sckel
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-20.2661, -40.4195

Field Notes

Description:

Similar spottings: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/38360070
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/32738013

Notes:

Spiny orb-weavers is a common name for Gasteracantha, a genus of spiders. They are also commonly called Spiny-backed orb-weavers, due to the prominent spines on their abdomen (cf. genus Isoxya). These spiders can reach sizes of up to 30mm in diameter (measured from spike to spike). Although their shell is shaped like a crab shell with spikes, it is not to be confused with a crab spider.
Orb-weavers' bites are generally harmless to humans.

Reference Links:

Spiny orb-weaver

Species ID Suggestions

Spiny Orbweaver Spider

Gasteracantha sp.

Reference Link
bayucca
1

Comments (6)
bayucca
Yes, that was the picture I meant. Do you think this one is the same? Even Gasteracantha cancriformis? What do you think, João?? http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/38360070
João Burini
It's the cancriformis itself, bayucca, they actually vary even in abdomen proportions instead of only the colors.
Sckel
She was not in the soil, was in its web. It has rained a lot, the backyard is moist and dark, my uncle found more than 10 of these spiders webs. He took all the webs, because of its strange appearance, he fears that these spiders are poisonous. I took them with a stick and threw it away in the bush. I took this photo and another orange.
bayucca
Actually I never have seen a Gasteracantha sp. on the ground. But from the shape I think it could be Gasteracantha sp. but most probably not the one from the link. Cancriformis is quite a variable species, most of them are yellow or white.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
International Spider Survey

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJuly 14, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies